Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada

Administration / 15 Nov, 2024

Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations and rightly so. It offers a world of opportunities in terms of world-class education and great work options post study. Every year a huge number of students enrol to study in Canada.

• In 2018, a total of 721,205 international students at all levels studied in Canada- which is the largest number ever
• As per the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) report, in December 2019, there were a total of 642,480 international students in Canada at all levels, representing a 13% increase from the previous year

When it comes to study programmes, there are choices galore for undergraduate courses in Canada for Indian students. The primary reason for the number of students looking for undergraduate courses, master’s in Canada, or to study MBA in Canada or universities in Canada for PhD is that both during and post study, students stand a good chance of getting a job.

• Work while you are studying

The fact that moving to a different country for study purpose can be financially straining can’t be denied. Hence, international students look for work opportunities so that they can meet with their day-to-day expenses while they are studying.

Canada offers plenty of opportunities in this regard.

1. On campus work: International students can work in Canada if their study permit lists a condition that says they are allowed to work on or off campus. Students can work on campus in different fields like library, hospital, student organisation or admin department etc. They can also work as a teaching or research assistant.
2. Off-campus work: Off campus involves parts of town or city that are not part of the university or college campus. Working off-campus may include working as

• A Co-op student
• An intern
• Part time with a private business or government department
• Full time with a private business or government department

International students can work up to 20 hours per week.

3. Co-op placements: This involves working as part of your programme of study. It can be either on or off campus.

A student may be enrolled in a co-op degree programme in environmental studies. Now this is different from a regular degree because it allows you to have three to four months (or more) each year for working in your field of study.

However, do keep in mind that you are not eligible for a co-op work permit if you are studying:

• General interest courses
• English or French as a secondary language (ESL/FSL)
• Courses to prepare you for another study programme

4. Internships: This is basically an on-the-job training. Working as an intern, which means someone will be supervising your work, gives you an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to help you in our trade or profession.

The work permit for an internship is the same as the work permit for co-op students.

It is evident that Canada has a lot to offer in terms of study and work. One only needs to find out the right study programme and school. If you are planning to study in Canada, get in touch with our overseas education consultants who have the relevant industry experience and an excellent track record in guiding students for study-abroad programmes.