Introduction

Dreaming of studying in Canada and working your way through? You’re not alone. Canada’s world-class universities, progressive immigration policies, and flexible work-study arrangements make it one of the most attractive destinations for international students. But navigating the maze of scholarships, permits, and visa requirements can be tricky. In this post, we’ll walk you through 15 exclusive, in-demand work-study scholarships for 2026–2027, how to boost your chances of approval, and the common (sometimes “deadly”) mistakes applicants make — especially when combining a scholarship with part-time work in Canada.

Whether you’re wondering “Can international students work while on scholarship in Canada?”, or you’re focused on PGWP eligibility for scholarship students, this guide covers it all. By the end, you’ll understand how to effectively blend your scholarship and part-time job, maintain your study permit, and set yourself up for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Why Focus on Work-Study Canada Scholarships?

Before diving into specific awards, let’s unpack why work-study Canada scholarships are such powerful vehicles for international students:

1. Financial Relief + Experience: These scholarships often provide funds for tuition or living expenses and structure for part-time work (on-campus or in research) — a win-win.
2. Immigration Advantage: Working while studying helps you build Canadian work experience, which is invaluable for PGWP eligibility and later sponsored work visas.
3. Skill Building & Networking: Through research assistant (RA), teaching assistant (TA), or internship roles, you can deepen academic skills and establish relationships with faculty, which could lead to future job offers or sponsorship.
4. Better Approval Chances: Scholarship applicants who show a realistic financial plan (tuition + work) are often taken more seriously by immigration officers assessing study permits.

The 15 Exclusive In-Demand Work-Study Scholarships for International Students in Canada (2026–2027)

Here are fifteen highly competitive scholarships and funding opportunities in Canada that support work-study or research jobs, particularly suited for international students applying in 2026–2027.

1. Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI)
   • A 12-week undergraduate research internship in Canada for senior undergraduates. (Mitacs)
   • Covers airfare, health insurance, housing, stipend for food, and enrollment fees. (Mitacs)
   • Participants work under a Canadian faculty supervisor, gaining hands-on research experience. (Research at UCalgary)
   • Eligibility: at least 18 years old, enrolled in full-time undergraduate or combined undergrad/master’s, with remaining semesters, fluent in English/French. (Mitacs)
2. Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA)
   • Supports more extended research collaborations: 12–48 week projects under dual supervision (a Canadian university and an international one). (Mitacs)
   • Award amount: $6,000 per 12-week “unit,” up to $12,000 for longer projects. (Mitacs)
   • Provides deep research exposure, which qualifies as “work” as well as study.
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
   • Designed to attract world-class doctoral students to Canada. (Wikipedia)
   • Value: $50,000 per year for 3 years. (Wikipedia)
   • Though primarily a fellowship, Vanier recipients often combine their funding with research assistant (RA) or teaching assistant (TA) roles, which are permitted alongside their scholarship.
4. Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s (NSERC CGSM)
   • Offered by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) to Canadian and international students pursuing master’s degrees in research. (NSERC)
   • Encourages development of high-quality research skills.
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
   • For both Master’s and doctoral full-time students in Ontario. (Wikipedia)
   • Can be held alongside part-time employment of up to 10 hours/week (during term), making it conducive to work-study. (Wikipedia)
   • Value: approx. $5,000 per term.
6. University Teaching / Research Assistantships (General)
   • Many Canadian universities, such as UBC, hire graduate students as TAs or RAs to support their own funding. (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
   • These are paid hourly or via stipend, and align perfectly with work-study because they combine work (teaching/research) with their studies.
7. UVic Graduate Funding – Teaching & Research Assistantships
   • At the University of Victoria, graduate students are regularly employed as TA or RA, funded through departmental grants or faculty research funds. (UVic.ca)
   • Students are paid for hourly work while enrolled full-time.
8. Lakehead University Graduate Assistantships
   • Available to full-time graduate students (Master’s and PhD). (Lakehead University)
   • A standard GA appointment is up to 270 hours per academic year (~10 hours/week), letting students balance study + work.
9. UNB Graduate Research / Academic Awards + Assistantships
   • The University of New Brunswick provides Graduate Academic Awards (GAA) and Graduate Research Awards (GRA) that support international students. (University of New Brunswick)
   • These often come with RA hours or departmental work ties.
10. Mitacs Accelerate (though not strictly undergrad work-study, but research)
    • (Note: While not always labeled “scholarship,” these are funded internships where students (or postdocs) work on industry-academic projects.)
    • If eligible, they provide salary-like compensation and count as work.
11. Global Affairs Canada Scholarships
    • Through EduCanada’s scholarship portal, international students can find scholarships that support study + research. (EduCanada)
    • These awards may allow for part-time work or be combined with campus roles, depending on the institution.
12. Graduate Funding at Memorial University (MUN)
    • MUN offers competitive funding to full-time graduate students, including international ones, via fellowships and assistantship roles. (Memorial University of Newfoundland)
    • Having a scholarship + working as RA/TA is common in their model.
13. Loran Scholars Foundation Award
    • Though not strictly work-study, this is a high-value undergraduate scholarship (~$100,000 over four years) that includes summer internships (tri-sector), which is like structured work-study. (Wikipedia)
    • Recipients get mentorship, stipends, and summer jobs in nonprofit, business or public sector.
14. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
    • While not always labeled “work-study,” Trudeau Scholars engage in community-focused research, often receiving funds and opportunities that mimic work-study. (Referenced in scholarship roundups such as in Eduloaded’s listing.) (Eduloaded.com)
15. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • For postdoctoral researchers, providing $70,000/year for two years. (Eduloaded.com)
      • Undergraduates: Focus on fully-funded entrance scholarships + Mitacs Globalink.
      • Master’s Students: Combine OGS/NSERC with RA/TA work for maximum income + experience.
      • PhD Students: Target Vanier, Trudeau, and 4YF for multi-year guaranteed funding.

        While this is not a “student” scholarship, many who transition from PhD to postdoc use this to get paid research work in Canada, effectively continuing a “work-study” type relationship during postdoctoral training.
        

        TABLE: BEST-FIT CANADA SCHOLARSHIPS BY STUDY LEVEL (2026–2027)

        Study Level	Scholarship Name	What It Is / Why It’s a Good Fit	Funding Type & Amount	Work-Study Compatibility	Best For / Who Should Apply
        UNDERGRADUATE	Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI)	A funded 12-week summer research internship in Canada. Builds research experience early and strengthens grad school applications.	Covers travel, stipend, housing, and research funding.	Yes — It is itself a structured research work-study program.	Students in 3rd/final year with strong academics wanting research experience.
        	Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (U of Toronto)	One of Canada’s most competitive fully-funded awards for exceptional global students.	Full tuition, housing, books, and fees.	Yes — Students can still work on campus.	Top academic achievers with leadership + community record.
        	UBC International Scholars Program	Four fully-funded undergraduate scholarships for talented global students.	Full funding for 4 years.	Yes — UBC has strong on-campus job options.	High-performing students with leadership potential.
        	York University International Entrance Scholarship	Renewable financial award for top international students.	Up to CAD $180,000 over 4 years.	Yes — Students can work part-time on-campus/off-campus.	Students with good academics needing partial funding.
        	University of Manitoba Undergraduate Scholarships	Merit-based awards; flexible for students who want to combine study and work.	Tuition awards + bursaries.	Yes — Many on-campus jobs available.	Medium-to-high achievers needing financial support.
        	McGill Entrance Scholarships	Merit awards for strong international students; renewable.	Partial tuition support.	Yes — McGill offers RA/TA roles later in degree.	Students wanting a strong academic brand + part-time work.
        	University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	Competitive award renewable up to 4 years.	CAD $60,000 total.	Yes — Campus jobs widely available.	Students in STEM, business, or arts programs.
        MASTER’S	Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Prestigious provincial scholarship; flexible and renewable.	~CAD $5,000 per term.	Yes — Students can work up to ~10 hrs/week RA/TA.	Students studying in Ontario universities.
        	NSERC CGS-M (STEM)	Master’s-level research scholarship for science/engineering fields.	CAD $17,500 for 1 year.	Yes — Encourages research assistant roles.	STEM students pursuing research-based master’s.
        	Mitacs Accelerate	Paid internship linking students to industry research partners.	Paid stipend for research projects.	Yes — Pure work-study integration.	Students wanting applied industry experience.
        	Graduate Research/Teaching Assistantships (RA/TA)	Paid campus jobs combined with study; many universities offer them.	Stipends + partial tuition in some cases.	Yes — This is the most direct work-study model.	Students needing work + funding + research experience.
        	UBC, McGill, UofT, Calgary Graduate Awards	University-based scholarships with flexible funding.	Tuition support + stipends.	Yes — RA/TA options included.	Students with strong academic record entering any field.
        	EduCanada Scholarships	Government-funded awards for international students.	Varies — tuition, airfare, or living allowances.	Yes — Often combined with RA/TA.	Students from partner countries.
        	Canada-ASEAN Scholarships	For ASEAN students pursuing short/long-term study.	Tuition + travel + stipend.	Yes — Eligible for campus work.	ASEAN students seeking fully-funded options.
        PhD	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship	Canada’s top national PhD award; highly prestigious and competitive.	CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years.	Yes — Research work counts toward scholarship goals.	Top-tier global scholars with research + leadership.
        	Pierre Elliott Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship	Leadership-focused PhD award in social sciences & humanities.	Generous multi-year funding.	Yes — Community-based research counts as work-study.	Students in humanities/social sciences.
        	Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship	For PhD graduates transitioning into research careers.	CAD $70,000/year for 2 years.	Yes — Full-time research work.	PhD finishers aiming for postdoc roles.
        	UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)	Full funding package covering 4-year PhD.	Tuition + CAD $18,000+ stipend yearly.	Yes — RA/TA roles integrated.	Doctoral students needing guaranteed long-term funding.
        	University of Toronto / McGill / Alberta Doctoral Fellowships	University-specific high-value awards for PhD students.	Multi-year funding + RA/TA roles.	Yes — Built-in work-study structure.	Students admitted to major research universities.
        	SSHRC Doctoral Awards (Humanities)	For social sciences/humanities PhD research.	Multi-year funds.	Yes — Students may work part-time.	Applicants doing non-STEM research.
        	NSERC Doctoral Scholarships (STEM)	For PhD students in engineering, natural sciences, and health sciences.	Varies — high funding.	Yes — Encourages RA/TA research work.	STEM researchers pursuing advanced research.

        How to Get Approved: Essential Steps & Tips

Getting a competitive work-study Canada scholarship is not just about applying — it’s about strategy. Here’s how to maximize your chances:

1. Research Early & Strategically
   • Identify scholarships relevant to your level (undergrad, master’s, PhD) and field. Use trusted portals like EduCanada’s International Scholarships to find up-to-date funding. (EduCanada)
   • For programs like Mitacs, scout project topics and potential supervisors before the application opens.
2. Align Your Research Interests
   • For research-based scholarships or internships (Mitacs, GRA, RA), tailor your application to show sincere interest in the proposed project.
   • Reach out to potential supervisors early — express interest, ask for guidance, and demonstrate how your background aligns.
3. Craft a Standout Application
   • Strong academic record: GPA is often a major criterion, especially for programs like Vanier, GRI, etc.
   • Letters of recommendation: Secure referees who can speak to your research potential or leadership.
   • Personal statement or research proposal: Be clear, specific, and realistic.
4. Demonstrate Financial Literacy
   • Show in your study permit/application that you understand how scholarship + part-time work will cover your expenses.
   • Include a budget: detail expected costs (tuition, accommodation, food), scholarship amounts, and projected earnings from work-study roles.
5. Know Permit & Visa Requirements
   • Study Permit Canada: You’ll likely need a study permit. Having a scholarship strengthens your credibility when applying.
   • Work Eligibility: On a study permit, many students can work on-campus without a work permit. According to resources, there’s no restriction on hours for on-campus work for international students.
   • Maintain full-time student status, as required by both scholarship and immigration regulations.
6. Plan for Post-Graduation
   • If your goal is to work in Canada after graduation, be sure your scholarship track aligns with PGWP eligibility.
   • Gain relevant work-study experience (RA, TA, internships) that strengthens your resume for employers and supports future visa or sponsored work permit applications.

Deadly Mistakes to Avoid During Application (and While Studying)

Even with a top-tier application, several pitfalls can derail your scholarship or study plan. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Overestimating Your Finances
   • Mistake: Assuming scholarship + part-time earnings will fully cover everything without a realistic budget.
   • Risk: You might fall short on living expenses, jeopardizing visa renewal or scholarship renewal.
   • Fix: Build a conservative budget, accounting for “low-estimate” earnings and unexpected costs.
2. Ignoring Scholarship Terms & Conditions
   • Mistake: Not reading fine print — some scholarships have restrictions on additional jobs, maximum hours, or must be used within certain duration.
   • Risk: Violation can lead to loss of funding.
   • Fix: Review terms carefully, and if unsure, ask the scholarship office or your department.
3. Neglecting Work Authorization Rules
   • Mistake: Assuming any job is allowed or allowed hours are unlimited.
   • Risk: Violating study permit rules may jeopardize your status.
   • Fix: Confirm on-campus work eligibility. Note: as per Resources for International Students, on-campus work often doesn’t require a separate permit.
4. Poor Time Management
   • Mistake: Trying to juggle too much: coursework, TA/RA, internships without a realistic schedule.
   • Risk: Burnout, poor academic performance, or losing your scholarship due to failing to meet requirements.
   • Fix: Plan a sustainable schedule. Prioritize tasks, communicate with supervisors, and set boundaries.
5. Under-Utilizing University Career / Financial Services
   • Mistake: Not seeking help from your university’s financial aid office, scholarship coordinators, or career services.
   • Risk: You may miss opportunities, deadlines, or support that could significantly strengthen your position.
   • Fix: Engage early — attend workshops, ask for mentorship, and use resources when drafting applications.
6. Failing to Build a Network
   • Mistake: Treating your scholarship application as a solo journey.
   • Risk: Missed mentorship, uncompetitive proposals, lack of guidance.
   • Fix: Reach out to professors, current scholarship holders, and alumni. Their insights can guide your project selection and strengthen your application.
7. Short-Term Thinking
   • Mistake: Viewing the scholarship strictly for study, not for long-term immigration/visa pathway.
   • Risk: You may struggle to transition to work after graduation or miss PGWP.
   • Fix: Strategize early: plan how your work-study experience feeds into PGWP, Canadian work experience, and future sponsorship.
     

How to Combine Scholarship and Part-Time Work in Canada (2026–2027)

Here’s a practical blueprint to effectively combine your scholarship and part-time work while in Canada:

1. Select Compatible Roles
   • Choose universities that support assistantship roles (e.g., UBC, UVic) or that participate in internship programs like Mitacs.
   • Ensure the work is related to your study or research; this makes scheduling and permit compliance easier.
2. Time Your Work with Academic Calendar
   • Work more during off-peak academic periods (when your course load is lighter).
   • Use summers for intensive internships (like the 12-week Mitacs Globalink).
3. Integrate Work into Scholarship Narrative
   • When writing scholarship applications, emphasize how working (as a RA or TA) will enhance your research, career trajectory, and contribution to the institution.
4. Document Everything
   • Keep records: work contracts, pay stubs, hours worked. These may be needed for visa renewals, scholarship renewals, or PGWP applications.
5. Watch Overload
   • Don’t overstretch: most scholarships expect full-time enrollment and may restrict outside work or hours.
   • Balance is key — don’t compromise academics for work, or vice versa.

PGWP Canada & Scholarship Students: What You Need to Know

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a key pathway for international students to remain and work in Canada after their studies. If you’re on a scholarship and plan to use the PGWP, here are essential considerations:

• Eligibility: To be eligible for PGWP, you generally need to have studied full-time in a designated learning institution (DLI) for at least 8 months.
• Work Experience Matters: The work experience you accrue through work-study (RA, TA, internships) strengthens your post-graduate resume and makes you more attractive to employers for sponsored work visa later.
• Scholarship Type: Whether your funding is a stipend (fellowship) or through assistantship roles may affect how “work” is viewed by future employers. Either way, relevant experience is valuable.
  • No-fee accounts
  • Easy access to credit cards (even with no Canadian credit history)
  • Loan options for graduate students

    Timing: Apply for the PGWP within 180 days after completing your program. Make sure your scholarship and work-study timelines align to support this application.

    🇨🇦 Special Privileges for International Students in Canada

    ✅ 1. Permission to Work While Studying

    International students with a valid study permit can:

    • Work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during the semester
    • Work FULL-TIME (40+ hours) during breaks (summer, winter holiday, reading week)
    • Work on campus with no hour limit

    This helps students earn income and gain Canadian work experience.

    ✅ 2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

    One of Canada’s biggest advantages:

    • After graduating from an eligible program (8 months+), students can get a PGWP of 1–3 years.
    • This allows graduates to work full-time anywhere in Canada.
    • The PGWP is a direct pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).

    ✅ 3. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

    International students get major immigration advantages, including:

    • Extra points in Express Entry.
    • Work experience in Canada counts toward PR programs.
    • Special PR streams:
      • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
      • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
      • International Graduate PR pathways (varies by province)

    This is one of the strongest immigration pathways in the world.

    ✅ 4. Access to Public Health Insurance (in many provinces)

    Depending on the province, international students receive government health coverage, including:

    • BC (British Columbia) – MSP
    • Alberta – AHCIP
    • Saskatchewan
    • Manitoba
    • Newfoundland & Labrador

    In other provinces, schools provide affordable private health plans.

    ✅ 5. Work Opportunities for Spouses

    If an international student is studying full-time:

    • Their spouse/partner qualifies for a full-time open work permit.
    • They can work ANY job in Canada (no employer restrictions).

    This is a huge privilege not offered in many countries.

    ✅ 6. Children Can Study for Free (K–12)

    Children of international students with a valid study permit can:

    • Attend public elementary and high school for FREE in many provinces.
      This saves families thousands of dollars per year.

    ✅ 7. Eligibility for Scholarships and Bursaries

    International students can apply for:

    • Entrance scholarships
    • Merit-based awards
    • Research assistantships
    • Teaching assistantships
    • Government programs (Mitacs, Vanier, OGS, CGS, etc.)

    Many universities offer international-only scholarship programs.

    ✅ 8. Access to Co-op Programs (Paid Internships)

    Students in co-op eligible programs can:

    • Do paid work placements as part of their degree
    • Earn between $18–$30/hour depending on the field
    • Gain Canadian industry experience before graduating

    Co-op work permits are free and easy to obtain.

    ✅ 9. Protection Under Canadian Labour and Human Rights Laws

    International students have the same rights as Canadian citizens at work:

    • Minimum wage protection
    • Standard working hours
    • Protection from exploitation
    • Access to legal support

    ✅ 10. Ability to Switch Institutions or Programs

    International students can:

    • Transfer schools
    • Change programs
    • Change levels of study
    • Switch provinces
      without losing their study permit, as long as they maintain status.

    ✅ 11. Access to Banking Privileges

    Banks offer special student packages:

    • No-fee accounts

    • Easy access to credit cards (even with no Canadian credit history)

    • Loan options for graduate student

Final Thoughts & Take-Home Messages

1. Work-study scholarships in Canada are gold — they don’t just cover money; they build experience, credibility, and a pathway to work.
2. Be strategic and proactive — know what funding options exist, and tailor your application to align with your long-term goals (PGWP, career, visa).
3. Avoid common pitfalls — read fine print, budget realistically, and balance your commitments.
4. Leverage every opportunity — from Mitacs internships to RA/TA roles, each experience strengthens your scholarship and post-study future.
5. Think ahead — your study permit, scholarship, and work-study experience can set you up for PGWP and possibly a Canada-sponsored work visa.