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The Best Summer Jobs for International Students in Canada (2025 Edition)
In this guide, we explore the top summer jobs for international students in Canada, taking into account factors like pay, job flexibility, physical requirements, and employment outlook. Whether you’re looking for on-campus work, off-campus roles, or remote gigs, there’s something here for every student’s needs and preferences.
Understanding Your Work Rights as an International Student
Before diving into job options, it’s important to understand the working conditions tied to your study permit:
| Job Type | Conditions for Work |
|---|---|
| Off-Campus Employment | Work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session. During official breaks (like summer), students can work full-time. |
| On-Campus Employment | Students may work unlimited hours on campus, provided they are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution. |
| Remote Work (Foreign Client) | International students can freelance for overseas clients without restrictions, as this does not fall under Canadian labor market regulations. |
Our Ranking Criteria
To provide a comprehensive guide, we evaluated each job using these key factors:
- Wages (Median hourly income based on Canada’s Job Bank)
- Work Schedule Flexibility
- Physical Intensity
- Job Market Demand
Top On-Campus Jobs
| Position | Median Pay (CAD/hour) | Schedule Flexibility | Physical Intensity | Job Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | $25.97 | Moderate to High | Low | Varies by department |
| Teaching Assistant | $25.97 | Moderate | Low | Varies by program |
1. Research Assistant (NOC 41201)
- Pay & Hours: Competitive pay, often above $25/hour. Schedule is often flexible around classes.
- Best For: Graduate and senior undergraduate students looking for academic or career development.
2. Teaching Assistant (NOC 41201)
What You’ll Do: Lead tutorials, grade assignments, and support instructors with course delivery.
- Pay & Hours: Same pay scale as RAs; work is tied to class schedules.
- Best For: Students with strong subject knowledge or prior academic experience.
Best Off-Campus Jobs
Off-campus jobs are ideal for students looking for industry exposure, service roles, or outdoor labor.
| Job Title | Median Pay (CAD/hour) | Schedule Flexibility | Physical Intensity | Job Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Planter | $27.00 (avg.) | Low | Very High | Limited to seasonal |
| Landscaping Labourer | $20.00 | Moderate | High | Fair to strong |
| Retail Sales Associate | $16.50 | Moderate | Moderate | Limited to moderate |
| Bartender | $19.25 + tips | Moderate | Moderate | Varies by province |
| Barista | $16.00 + tips | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate in most areas |
3. Tree Planter (NOC 85101)
Overview: Work outdoors reforesting areas across Canada. Earnings are performance-based, often calculated per tree.
- Earnings: High earners can bring in $200–$300/day depending on output.
- Challenges: Physically exhausting; often in remote locations requiring tent living.
- Best For: Adventurous students seeking high pay and outdoor work during summer breaks.
4. Landscaping Labourer (NOC 85121)
Overview: Maintain and design outdoor spaces—mowing lawns, planting, and basic landscaping.
- Pay: Moderate, around $20/hour
- Physicality: Demanding, but typically in urban or suburban environments.
- Best For: Students comfortable with manual labor and working outdoors.
5. Retail Sales Associate (NOC 64100)
Overview: Serve beverages and interact with patrons at restaurants, pubs, and lounges.
- Income: $19.25/hour median wage plus tips (which can be significant).
- Licensing: Most provinces require alcohol service training (e.g., Smart Serve in Ontario).
- Best For: Night owls who enjoy high-energy environments.
7. Barista (NOC 65201)
Overview: Prepare coffee and tea beverages while managing customer orders and maintaining cleanliness.
- Wages: Around $16/hour, plus tips.
- Work Style: Fast-paced and team-oriented, often with early morning or weekend shifts.
- Best For: Students who enjoy casual, people-facing roles.
Top Remote Jobs
Remote jobs offer ultimate flexibility—perfect for students managing heavy course loads or living in remote areas.
| Role | Median Pay (CAD/hour) | Schedule Flexibility | Physical Demand | Employment Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Annotator | $22.00 | High | Low | Moderate to strong |
| Online Tutor | $19.05 | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Virtual Assistant | $23.00 | Moderate to High | Low | Moderate to strong |
8. Data Annotator (NOC 14111 or similar)
Overview: Label data (text, images, audio) for machine learning models. This work fuels AI training across many industries.
- Pay: Strong pay, ranging from $20–$30/hour.
- Flexibility: Entirely remote and often project-based.
- Best For: Tech-savvy students comfortable working independently.
9. Online/Private Tutor (NOC 41201)
Overview: Teach students in subjects like math, science, or languages via video conferencing or tutoring platforms.
- Income: Around $19/hour, can be higher for in-demand subjects.
- Schedule: Sessions can be scheduled during evenings and weekends.
- Best For: Students with strong academic records or previous teaching experience.
10. Virtual Assistant (NOC 13110 or similar)
Overview: Handle administrative tasks such as managing schedules, emails, and documents for clients or small businesses.
- Pay: Median pay around $23/hour.
- Workload: Tasks vary, often flexible and can be done part-time.
- Best For: Organized, detail-oriented students looking for admin or business experience.
Final Tips for a Successful PGWP Journey
- Do thorough research on the institution and program before applying.
- Speak with admissions or an immigration advisor if you’re unsure about eligibility.
- Ensure your documents are in order before graduation.
- Stay informed about IRCC updates and immigration policy changes.
- Remain in good standing legally and academically throughout your stay in Canada.
Final Thoughts
Always ensure that your job aligns with your study permit conditions and that you’re not exceeding the allowed working hours during the school term. Consider speaking with your campus career center or academic advisor for help finding and applying for the most suitable positions.
