Top Summer Jobs for International Students in Canada (2024 Guide)
Looking to earn extra cash, gain work experience, or simply stay productive during your break? If you’re an international student in Canada, summer is the perfect time to explore part-time or full-time job opportunities that fit your schedule and visa requirements. From flexible remote gigs to hands-on outdoor roles, there’s something for everyone — and many options pay surprisingly well!
In this guide, we’ll break down the best summer jobs for international students in Canada, based on factors like pay, flexibility, physical demand, and job availability. And yes, we’ll cover the all-important question: Can I legally work while studying?
Key Highlights
- Most international students can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during the academic term.
- During scheduled breaks (e.g. summer), students can work full-time off-campus.
- On-campus and remote work for foreign employers is unrestricted in hours.
- Top job picks include Research Assistant, Tree Planter, Barista, Virtual Assistant, and more.
- Jobs vary widely in pay, from $15/hour to $45/hour depending on the role and location.
Work Options for International Students in Canada
Before diving into job suggestions, it’s crucial to understand your work eligibility as an international student. Here’s a quick summary:
| Work Type | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Off-campus | 24 hours/week during classes; unlimited during scheduled breaks |
| On-campus | Unlimited hours |
| Remote (foreign employer) | Unlimited, not counted under Canadian labour restrictions |
Note: Always check the terms of your study permit or speak with your school’s international student advisor to be sure you’re working within legal limits.
Top Summer Jobs for International Students in Canada – 2024 Edition
Below, we’ve organised job options into three main categories: on-campus, off-campus, and remote roles. Each job has been assessed for pay, flexibility, physical demand, and job outlook.
Best On-Campus Jobs
On-campus roles are ideal during the academic year or summer term, as they’re not subject to the 24-hour weekly limit.
- Research Assistant (RA) – Median pay: $25.97/hour
Support faculty on academic projects. Flexible hours and low physical demand. Great for students in STEM or humanities fields. - Teaching Assistant (TA) – Median pay: $25.97/hour
Help with grading, tutorials, and lectures. Ideal for grads or upper-year undergrads. Slightly less flexible due to class schedules.
Top Off-Campus Jobs
During the summer break, you can work full-time off-campus. These roles are popular among students seeking seasonal income.
- Tree Planter – Median pay: $27/hour*
High-paying but physically intense. You’ll work in remote areas, planting thousands of trees per week. Best for summer-only work. (*Paid per tree — earnings vary.) - Landscaping Labourer – Median pay: $20/hour
Outdoor maintenance work such as mowing, planting, and weeding. Physically demanding but widely available during spring/summer. - Retail Sales Associate – Median pay: $16.50/hour
Sales, stocking, and customer service in stores. Shift-based work with moderate flexibility. Suitable for students with strong communication skills. - Bartender – Median pay: $19.25/hour + tips
Serve drinks and socialise in bars or restaurants. Evening/weekend shifts are common. You’ll need a responsible alcohol service certificate (e.g., Smart Serve in Ontario). - Barista – Median pay: $16/hour + tips
Make coffee and serve customers in cafés. Fast-paced and social environment. Shifts usually include early mornings or weekends.
Top Remote Jobs
If you’re tech-savvy or prefer working from home, remote gigs are a brilliant option. Bonus: If you work for a foreign employer, there are no limits on your hours.
- Data Annotator – Median pay: $22/hour
Tag and label data for AI training. Requires strong attention to detail. Flexible hours and minimal physical effort. - Online/Private Tutor – Median pay: $19.05/hour
Teach subjects like maths, science, or languages to students online. You can set your hours and even work with clients overseas. - Virtual Assistant – Median pay: $23/hour
Provide admin support such as scheduling, email management, or social media. Remote and often asynchronous, making it ideal for students with variable schedules.
Tip: Freelancing for international clients is not considered entering Canada’s labour market —