Working as a Graduate Student (not GTAs)

International graduate students are allowed to work on campus without a work permit so long as they hold a valid study visa. There is no limit to the number of hours an international student can work on campus. To search for available jobs on campus, please consult the Student and Alumni Job Board on the Student Experience Portal.

Although the School of Graduate Studies does not monitor the employment of graduate students off-campus, international graduate students must adhere to government regulations when working outside of Trent. International graduate students may qualify to work off-campus without a work permit if they meet the following requirements:

• you’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)

• you’re enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or

• your study program

  • is at least 6 months long and

  • leads to a degree, diploma or certificate

• you’ve started studying

• you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

International graduate students are permitted to work up to 20-hours per week* during the regular academic year, and full-time during scheduled breaks including winter and summer holidays and reading week. For more information about working off-campus, please consult the Government of Canada webpage, or contact [email protected].

*Note: From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students can work more than 20-hours per week off campus during the regular academic year if they meet the requirements outlined on the Government of Canada webpage.