agencyCanada stands out globally as one of the few study destinations where scholarship recipients are legally allowed to work and earn income while studying. In 2026, this combination makes studying in Canada especially attractive for international students who want to reduce financial pressure, gain work experience, and support themselves without violating visa rules.
Unlike countries where scholarships restrict employment or cap earnings severely, Canada’s system is designed to be practical. Scholarships, part-time work rights, and paid academic roles often work together, not against each other. Many students successfully combine scholarships with on-campus jobs, teaching or research assistantships, and off-campus employment to cover living costs and even save money.
This guide explains which scholarships in Canada allow you to work and earn money, how working rights actually function, the types of income students can earn legally, common mistakes to avoid, and how to structure your finances responsibly as a scholarship student.
Why Canada Allows Scholarship Students to Work
Canada views international students as future contributors to its economy rather than temporary visitors. Allowing students to work legally helps them integrate into the labor market, gain Canadian experience, and reduce reliance on personal or family funds.
Another reason is realism. Living costs exist regardless of scholarships. Canadian authorities recognize that tuition coverage alone is not enough, so work authorization complements financial aid rather than replacing it.
As a result, most Canadian scholarships do not prohibit employment, provided academic progress is maintained and visa conditions are respected.
Understanding Work Rights for Scholarship Students in Canada
Most international students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.
These rights are attached to the study permit, not the scholarship itself. This means that having a scholarship does not remove or reduce your legal right to work.
In addition, certain types of work, especially on-campus roles and academic assistantships, may allow more flexibility because they are considered part of the educational experience.
Scholarships That Explicitly Allow Students to Work
Government of Canada Scholarships
Most federal and provincial scholarships allow students to work, as long as employment does not interfere with academic responsibilities.
Programs such as the Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s and Doctoral levels) do not prohibit part-time work. In fact, recipients commonly work as teaching assistants or research assistants, earning additional income alongside their stipends.
Government scholarships are structured with the expectation that students may supplement funding responsibly.
University Entrance Scholarships
Entrance scholarships awarded by Canadian universities are typically merit-based and do not restrict employment.
These scholarships reduce tuition costs but do not provide monthly stipends. As a result, universities expect students to rely on part-time work, savings, or family support to cover living expenses.
Students holding entrance scholarships regularly work on campus in libraries, labs, administrative offices, and student services.
Research-Based Master’s Scholarships
Research-based master’s programs in Canada almost always allow students to work, especially in academic roles.
Funding packages typically include a base scholarship or stipend, combined with paid teaching assistantships or research assistantships. These roles are not considered external employment and are fully permitted.
Students often earn CAD 1,800 to CAD 3,000 per month when combining scholarships with assistantship income.
PhD Scholarships and Fellowships
PhD scholarships in Canada are designed around the assumption that students will work as part of their academic training.
Teaching assistant and research assistant roles are often mandatory or strongly encouraged. These roles provide income, teaching experience, and professional development.
PhD students commonly earn CAD 2,500 to CAD 4,000 per month when combining stipends and assistantships, all while remaining fully compliant with visa rules.
Provincial Scholarships
Provincial scholarship programs generally allow employment, especially if the work contributes to the local economy or academic environment.
Students in provinces with labor shortages are often encouraged to work part-time to gain local experience.
Restrictions, when they exist, usually focus on academic performance rather than work hours.
Types of Jobs Scholarship Students Can Do Legally
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are the most flexible and widely recommended for scholarship students.
These include library assistants, research aides, lab technicians, administrative assistants, IT support, residence assistants, and student mentors.
On-campus jobs are often exempt from strict hour limits and align well with academic schedules.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching assistant roles are among the best-paying options for graduate students.
TAs assist with tutorials, grading, labs, and student support. Pay varies by university but typically ranges from CAD 25 to CAD 45 per hour.
These roles are considered part of academic training and are fully permitted for scholarship holders.
Research Assistantships
Research assistants work directly with faculty on funded projects.
Pay rates are similar to teaching assistantships, and roles often align closely with the student’s thesis or dissertation topic.
RA income is especially common in science, engineering, health, and technology fields.
Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs
Scholarship students can also work off campus in retail, hospitality, caregiving, warehouses, offices, and other sectors.
Pay usually ranges from CAD 15 to CAD 22 per hour, depending on province and role.
Off-campus work must stay within legal hour limits during academic sessions.
Internships and Co-op Placements
Some scholarship students participate in paid internships or co-op programs integrated into their studies.
These roles are legal when approved by the institution and listed on the study permit if required.
Internships often pay significantly more than regular part-time jobs and provide valuable professional experience.
Scholarships That Restrict Work (Rare but Important)
While most scholarships allow work, a small number of fully funded external scholarships may limit outside employment.
These restrictions usually apply only to external jobs, not academic assistantships. The intent is to ensure full focus on research.
Even in these cases, limited on-campus academic work is often permitted with supervisor approval.
Students must always read scholarship terms carefully and confirm with their university’s graduate office.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn While on Scholarship
Earnings depend on job type, hours, and city.
A student working 20 hours per week at minimum wage can earn CAD 1,200 to CAD 1,600 per month before tax.
Graduate students combining assistantships with stipends often earn CAD 25,000 to CAD 45,000 per year, excluding tuition coverage.
During academic breaks, full-time work can significantly increase annual income.
Taxes and Income for Scholarship Students
Scholarship income may be partially taxable depending on its structure and level of study.
Employment income is taxable, but students benefit from credits such as the basic personal amount and tuition credits.
Many students receive tax refunds due to low annual income and withheld taxes.
Filing a tax return is essential, even if income seems small.
Benefits Beyond Money
Working while studying provides more than income.
Students gain Canadian work experience, build professional networks, improve language skills, and increase employability after graduation.
Work experience also strengthens eligibility for post-graduation work permits and permanent residence pathways.
Common Mistakes Scholarship Students Make
One common mistake is assuming scholarships prohibit work and missing income opportunities.
Another is exceeding legal work hours, which can jeopardize immigration status.
Some students prioritize work over academics, risking scholarship renewal.
Others fail to declare income or file taxes properly.
How to Balance Work and Study Successfully
The most successful scholarship students treat work as structured support, not a distraction.
They choose jobs aligned with academic schedules, prioritize on-campus roles, and limit hours during exam periods.
Clear communication with supervisors and employers helps maintain balance.
Questions People Ask About Scholarships and Work in Canada
Can I work if I have a full scholarship
Yes, in most cases. Scholarships rarely remove work rights.
Do I need a separate work permit
No. Work authorization is usually included in the study permit.
Can I work full-time
Only during scheduled breaks unless your job is on campus or academic.
Are assistantships counted toward work limits
On-campus academic roles are often exempt or treated differently.
Will working affect my scholarship
Only if academic performance drops or scholarship terms are violated.
Key Takeaways
Most scholarships in Canada allow students to work and earn money, work rights come from the study permit, not the scholarship, on-campus and academic roles offer the best balance and pay, combining scholarships with assistantships significantly increases income, and working legally strengthens future career and immigration prospects.
Conclusion
Scholarships in Canada that allow you to work and earn money are not exceptions; they are the norm. Canada’s education and immigration systems are designed to support students holistically, combining funding, legal work access, and long-term opportunity. In 2026, students who understand how to balance scholarships with employment can study affordably, gain valuable experience, and build a strong foundation for careers and permanent residence. With careful planning and respect for the rules, earning while studying in Canada is both legal and strategically smart.
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