If you’re considering Canada for higher education, you’re not alone. With its world-class universities, diverse culture, and promising career prospects, Canada has become a top destination for Indian students. But while the experience can be enriching, the financial burden can be overwhelming.
The good news? Canada allows international students to work while studying, helping them manage expenses and gain valuable experience. As per government regulations, you can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions. However, during college breaks, there are no work-hour restrictions, giving you a chance to earn more and build industry-relevant skills.
To help you navigate work opportunities in 2025, we’ve put together a curated list of job options that can support your studies while adding to your professional growth.
Library Assistant
As a library assistant, you’ll help organize books, manage inventory, assist students in locating materials, and sometimes handle front-desk inquiries. Some positions may also involve helping with digital cataloging or setting up study spaces.
Qualifications and Skills: Most university libraries prefer students with good organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency. Prior experience in a library or customer service role is a plus but not always required.
Potential Employers: University and college libraries, public libraries, and specialized research libraries.
How to Find This Job: Check your university’s career services portal or library website for openings. Many universities prioritize hiring their own students. You can also ask the library staff directly about vacancies.
Teaching Assistant
A Teaching Assistant (TA) supports professors by grading assignments, preparing lecture materials, conducting tutorials, and assisting students with coursework. Some TAs may also help with lab sessions or discussion groups.
Qualifications and Skills: TA positions are usually available for graduate students or upper-year undergraduates with a strong academic record in the subject. Excellent communication, time management, and subject expertise are essential. Some universities may require a minimum GPA or prior tutoring experience.
Potential Employers: Universities and colleges, primarily within your department.
How to Find This Job: TA positions are often posted within academic departments. Check university job boards or contact professors directly to express interest. Some universities require students to apply at the start of the semester.
Research Assistant
As a Research Assistant (RA), you’ll work on academic projects, assisting professors with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and experiments. The role varies depending on the field—science RAs might work in labs, while humanities RAs may focus on archival research.
Qualifications and Skills: These positions are typically available for students in graduate programs or upper-year undergraduates with a strong academic background. Attention to detail, analytical skills, and proficiency in research tools (like SPSS, Python, or MATLAB) may be required, depending on the field.
Potential Employers: University departments, research centers, and government-funded research projects.
How to Find This Job: Speak to professors or academic advisors about ongoing research projects. Many universities list RA positions on career portals, but networking within your department can also help you secure a role.
Online Freelance Jobs
These could offer a great way to earn money while managing a busy academic schedule. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, freelancing allows students to work remotely and set their own hours, making it ideal for students juggling coursework. Popular freelance opportunities include content writing, graphic design, web development, tutoring, data entry, and digital marketing.
To get started, students can create profiles on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or PeoplePerHour, highlighting their skills and experience. Many also find freelance gigs through LinkedIn, networking groups, or university job boards. Having a strong portfolio, good communication skills, and competitive pricing can help attract clients.
Internships and Co-op Programs
For many Indian students in Canada, securing a stable job after graduation is a top priority. However, without relevant Canadian work experience, landing a well-paying job can be challenging. This is where internships and co-op programs come in—helping students gain hands-on industry experience while still in university.
Internships and co-ops not only provide practical exposure but also improve job prospects, networking opportunities, and financial stability. While internships can be short-term and sometimes unpaid, co-op programs are structured, paid, and directly linked to a student’s academic program. Many students who complete co-ops find themselves better prepared for the job market, with some even securing full-time job offers before graduation.
Co-op Programs: A Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program is an educational model where students alternate between academic study and full-time paid work placements. Unlike part-time jobs or internships, co-op programs are integrated into the university curriculum, ensuring students get industry-relevant experience while earning money. Students typically spend 4 to 8 months working in a company, then return to campus for the next semester before taking on another work term. Some universities count co-op placements as part of the degree requirements, helping students graduate with both a degree and work experience.
Many universities in Canada—including University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, UBC, McGill, and Simon Fraser University—offer co-op programs in fields like engineering, business, computer science, finance, healthcare, and media.
How to Apply: To secure a co-op position in Canada, Indian students should start by exploring their university’s career services. Most universities have dedicated co-op offices that manage placements, maintain relationships with top employers, and provide resources like resume workshops, interview coaching, and job postings. These offices often list exclusive co-op opportunities that are not available on public job portals. Additionally, networking plays a crucial role in securing competitive co-op positions. Attending career fairs, alumni meetups, and industry panels can help students connect with recruiters and professionals in their field. Building a strong LinkedIn profile and actively engaging with industry professionals can also increase job prospects. Also, students should explore government-funded research grants and co-op programs, as these initiatives provide financial assistance and ensure wider accessibility to paid placements. Some government co-op programs focus on STEM fields, public sector roles, and research-based positions, offering students valuable experience and career growth opportunities.
