Working and Financial Support

There are many ways to support your postsecondary education financially.

Working

On Campus

You may work on campus at the institution where you study without a work permit if you have a valid study permit and are a full-time student at a publicly funded college or university, or private university.

Off Campus

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows international students enrolled in full-time studies at participating postsecondary institutions to work off campus while completing their studies.

Spouses and Common-Law Partners

Accompanying spouses or common-law partners of international students are eligible for an open work permit. That means they don't need a job offer or a labour market opinion from Service Canada to receive a work permit.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Colleges and Universities

Each school's financial aid office can tell you about scholarships and bursaries. You may also find this information on each school's website.


Announced in November 2010, the Ontario Trillium Scholarships program will help the best doctoral students from around the world study in Ontario.

Each Ontario Trillium Scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for a maximum of four years. 75 scholarships are awarded each year.

Ontario universities select and award the Ontario Trillium Scholarships based on merit and program criteria. Each university has its own way to award the scholarship to students. For more information, contact the university’s office of graduate studies.

The Government of Canada also offers scholarships to international students.

Community Organizations

Some charities, foundations and private companies offer scholarships to international students:

Student Loans

International students holding a student visa are not eligible for bank loans or government student loans in Canada. If you're planning to apply for landed immigrant status, you may become eligible for loans once landed status has been received.

Some colleges and universities offer emergency loans for international students. You may find this information on school websites, in academic calendars or by contacting the school's financial aid office.