Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Students 2026: 24 Hours/Week Rules, Wages & Best Jobs

Part time jobs in Canada for students are a lifeline — earning CAD $2,100–$3,400/month while studying, covering rent, groceries, and daily expenses. In 2026, international students on a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. With Ontario's minimum wage at $17.60/hr, British Columbia at $17.85/hr, and Alberta at $15.00/hr, Indian students working the maximum 24 hours earn significantly more than in any other study destination. This definitive 2026 guide from EEC — 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ Indian students placed — covers every aspect of part time jobs in Canada for students: the 24-hour work rule, province-wise minimum wages, the 15 best-paying part-time roles, realistic monthly earnings, the SIN application process, tax obligations, on-campus vs off-campus work differences, and co-op work permits for mandatory placements. Whether you are pursuing a MBA in Canada, a college diploma, or a PR-aligned programme, understanding your work rights in 2026 is non-negotiable.

24 Hours/Week Rule Explained — Off-Campus Work Rights in 2026

The single most important rule for part time jobs in Canada for students in 2026 is the off-campus work hour limit. As of 2024, IRCC set the permanent off-campus work cap at 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions — an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. During scheduled breaks (summer, winter, reading weeks), Indian students can work full-time (unlimited hours). This 24-hour rule applies to all study permit holders enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Here is the complete breakdown:

The increase from 20 to 24 hours per week in 2026 is significant — it adds an extra CAD $70–$85 per week in earnings (depending on province), translating to an additional CAD $280–$340 per month. Over a 2-year programme, that additional 4 hours/week generates CAD $5,600–$6,800 in extra income. For Indian students managing tight budgets, this change is meaningful. However, balancing 24 hours of work with full-time studies requires careful time management. Most successful Indian students work 16–20 hours during heavy exam periods and maximise to 24 hours during lighter academic weeks.

Province-Wise Minimum Wages — How Much Do Students Earn in Canada? (2026)

Your earnings from part time jobs in Canada for students depend heavily on which province you study in. Canada does not have a single national minimum wage — each province and territory sets its own rate. Here is the complete province-wise breakdown for 2026:

The highest-earning province for Indian students is British Columbia at $17.85/hr, followed closely by Ontario at $17.60/hr. However, living costs in Vancouver and Toronto are also the highest in Canada. Alberta offers an interesting value proposition — lower minimum wage ($15.00/hr) but significantly lower rent and living costs. For Indian students who prioritise savings over gross earnings, provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia offer the best ratio of wages to living expenses. EEC helps Indian students select universities that optimise both tuition affordability and part-time earning potential.

Best Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Canada (2026)

Choosing the right part-time job in Canada for students can mean the difference between earning minimum wage and earning $20–$30/hr. Here are the 15 most popular and best-paying part-time roles for Indian students in Canada, ranked by hourly pay and career value:

For Indian students without campus work connections, the fastest path to employment is applying to Tim Hortons, McDonald's, Walmart, Loblaws, and Amazon fulfilment centres — these employers actively recruit international students, offer flexible schedules around class times, and pay at or above minimum wage. Use Indeed.ca, LinkedIn, and your university's job board to find openings. Most Indian students find their first part-time job within 2–4 weeks of arriving in Canada. Networking with senior Indian students through your university's Indian student association is one of the most effective strategies — many positions are filled through word-of-mouth referrals.

Monthly Earnings Calculator — Realistic Numbers for Indian Students

How much can Indian students actually earn from part time jobs in Canada in 2026? Let's calculate realistic monthly and annual earnings based on the 24-hour work limit during semesters and full-time during breaks:

During Academic Sessions (24 hrs/week limit)

During Scheduled Breaks (Full-Time)

“I work 24 hours a week at Loblaws during the semester ($18.50/hr) and full-time during summer and winter breaks. My total annual earnings are CAD $26,000 — enough to cover my rent and groceries entirely. My parents only fund tuition and the GIC. EEC's pre-departure session taught me to start job hunting before I even landed in Canada.”

— Ankit R., Supply Chain Management Diploma, Conestoga College, Kitchener — Earning CAD $26K/year

Total annual earnings for Indian students: CAD $20,000–$30,000+. An Indian student working 24 hours/week during the 8-month academic year at $18/hr earns CAD $13,824, plus full-time summer and winter work at the same rate adds CAD $11,520 = CAD $25,344 per year. This can cover 40–70% of your total annual living costs. Students pursuing a scholarship can combine award funding with part-time earnings to make studying in Canada financially viable. When planning your education loan amount, factor in these realistic earnings.

SIN Application & Tax Guide — What Every Indian Student Must Know

Before you can start any part-time job in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). The SIN is a 9-digit number issued by Service Canada — and for international students, it always starts with the number 9. Without a SIN, no employer can legally pay you. Here is the complete process for Indian students in 2026:

How to Apply for a SIN

Tax Obligations for International Students in Canada

Every Indian student earning income in Canada must file a tax return. The Canadian tax system is progressive, and international students benefit from the Basic Personal Amount (BPA) — the amount you can earn before paying any federal income tax. For the 2025 tax year (filed in early 2026), the BPA is approximately CAD $15,705. This means if your annual earnings are below CAD $15,705, you owe zero federal income tax.

On-Campus vs Off-Campus Work — Which Is Better for Indian Students?

Indian students in Canada have two main categories of legal part-time work: on-campus employment and off-campus employment. Each has different rules, advantages, and limitations. Understanding the difference is essential for maximising your earnings while staying compliant with your study permit conditions in 2026:

The ideal strategy for Indian students is to combine both: secure an on-campus position (TA, RA, library, or campus dining) for career development and academic networking, and supplement with off-campus hours if needed to reach the 24-hour maximum. On-campus positions typically offer higher hourly rates, more flexible scheduling around exams, and valuable references from professors — which matter when applying for PGWP-qualifying jobs after graduation. However, on-campus positions are competitive and limited in number, so most Indian students work off-campus for their primary income.

Co-op & Internship Work Permits — Full-Time Work During Studies

Many Canadian college and university programmes include mandatory co-op placements or internships — and these offer Indian students the opportunity to work full-time (40 hours/week) in their field of study, earning $20–$35/hr during their programme. However, co-op work requires a separate co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. Here is everything Indian students need to know about co-op work in 2026:

Co-op Work Permit Requirements

Co-op Salary vs Regular Part-Time — The Difference Is Massive

Co-op programmes are particularly valuable for Indian students because the Canadian work experience gained during co-op placements counts toward your CRS score and Express Entry profile. Employers who hire you as a co-op student often extend full-time offers after graduation — giving you a guaranteed TEER 0-3 job for your PGWP period. Universities like Waterloo, Sheridan, Conestoga, and BCIT have among the strongest co-op networks in Canada. When selecting your programme, check whether co-op is mandatory (requiring the co-op work permit) or optional. If optional, you can still participate, but you may need to arrange the co-op work permit separately.

“My co-op at RBC through Conestoga College paid $25/hr full-time for 4 months. That's CAD $16,000 in one placement — more than half my annual tuition. After graduating, RBC offered me a full-time position, and I'm now on PGWP building my PR profile. EEC recommended the co-op programme specifically because of the work permit advantage.”

— Priya S., Business Analytics (Co-op), Conestoga College — Now Full-Time at RBC, PGWP Holder

Part time jobs in Canada for students in 2026 offer Indian students a genuine path to financial sustainability during their studies. With the 24-hour off-campus work limit, provincial minimum wages of $15.00–$17.85/hr, and full-time work during breaks, Indian students can realistically earn CAD $20,000–$30,000 per year — covering 40–70% of their living expenses. The key is to start your job search before arrival, apply for your SIN in the first week, target on-campus positions for career development while supplementing with off-campus work, and always stay within the 24-hour limit during academic sessions. File your taxes annually to claim refunds, and take advantage of co-op programmes for full-time, field-relevant work experience. With the study permit cap at 408,000 for 2026, the GIC at CAD $22,895, and SDS discontinued since November 2024, every dollar of part-time earnings in Canada matters. EEC has guided 50,000+ Indian students through their Canadian journey — from study permit applications to PR success. Book your free consultation today, or visit an EEC centre near you for in-person guidance on maximising your earning potential in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Students