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Side hustle ideas for students in Canada

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 6h ago

Why students take side hustles

Tuition, rent and food are expensive, and many Canadian students work while studying. Side hustles can offer flexibility around classes and build skills for future careers. Each option has rules, especially for international students. This list covers common options and the official rules that apply. It is not a ranking.

1. On-campus jobs

Universities and colleges hire students in libraries, cafeterias, labs, recreation centres and offices. Hours usually fit around classes. International students with valid study permits may be able to work on campus without a separate work permit if they meet IRCC's conditions.

2. Part-time retail and hospitality

Restaurants, cafes, shops and grocery stores hire students for evenings and weekends. These are employee roles, so employment standards apply, including minimum wage, breaks and overtime rules set by each province. Employers deduct tax, CPP and EI.

3. Tutoring

Students strong in a subject can tutor high school students or peers, online or in person. Rates vary. Private tutoring is usually self-employment for tax purposes.

4. Delivery apps

Food and grocery delivery apps offer flexible hours. You need to meet age requirements, have a phone and a vehicle, scooter or bike depending on the market. Ontario's Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act, in effect since 1 July 2025, gives app-based delivery workers a minimum wage for engaged time. Count costs and taxes.

5. Pet sitting and dog walking

Pet care fits students who love animals and have flexible schedules. Platforms usually require users to be 18 or older and take a fee. Check residence or landlord rules if you plan to care for pets at home.

6. Reselling

Selling textbooks, clothes and electronics online can bring cash. Selling your own used items is generally not a business. Buying to resell is, and platforms report sellers to the CRA.

7. Freelancing

Design, writing, coding, video editing and social media skills can earn freelance income. Building a portfolio during school can lead to work after graduation.

8. Research studies

University research projects often pay participants. Payments are usually small but require little time.

9. Seasonal work

Summer camps, tourism, tree planting, agriculture and holiday retail hire students for short periods. International students can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks if eligible.

10. Babysitting and childcare

Babysitting pays reasonably and fits around classes. Parents often ask for first aid training and references.

Rules for international students

IRCC says eligible full-time international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus while classes are in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. You must have a valid study permit that allows off-campus work, be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution in an eligible programme and have a SIN. Working more than permitted can lead to loss of status. Check IRCC's page and your permit conditions.

Minimum wage and rights

Most student jobs are covered by provincial employment standards, which set minimum wage, hours, overtime and breaks. The federal minimum wage, which applies to federally regulated sectors such as banking, is $18.15 an hour from 1 April 2026. Provincial minimums differ.

Getting a SIN

You need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada. Apply through Service Canada online or in person. International students need a study permit that allows work to get a SIN.

Taxes for students

Canadian residents, including international students who are residents for tax purposes, report worldwide income. Self-employed income goes on Form T2125. The basic personal amount means low-income students may owe no tax. Filing a return lets you claim tuition tax credits and receive benefits such as the GST/HST credit and provincial credits.

GST/HST

Most student side hustles stay below the $30,000 small supplier threshold. Commercial rideshare drivers must register from their first fare.

Worked example: a student's year

Leah, a domestic student in British Columbia, works 12 hours a week at a cafe during term for 28 weeks at $17.85 an hour, earning about $6,000, and tutors for $3,000 over the year, with $200 of costs. Her total income of $8,800 is below the federal basic personal amount, so she owes little or no federal income tax, but she may owe CPP contributions on her net tutoring income of $2,800, which is below the $3,500 basic exemption, so none. She files a return to claim her tuition credit and the GST/HST credit.

Student loans and grants

Income can affect student aid in some provinces. Check your provincial student aid rules if you earn significant amounts.

Balancing work and study

Many students find 10 to 15 hours a week manageable. Choose flexible options during exams. The time zone converter on this site can help if tutoring students in other provinces or countries.

11. Campus ambassador and brand roles

Some companies hire students to promote products on campus or social media. Pay may be commission-based, and paid content must be disclosed clearly. Avoid roles that require you to buy products or recruit others.

12. Photography and video

Students with camera skills can photograph graduations, events and small businesses. Start with friends and campus groups to build a portfolio, then charge as demand grows. Agree what the client can do with your photos before the shoot.

13. Moving help and odd jobs

At the start and end of each term, students and families need help moving. Task platforms and local listings offer moving, assembly and cleaning work. Check age requirements and any platform fees.

14. Snow clearing and yard work

Canadian winters create demand for snow clearing, and spring and summer bring yard work. Neighbours often pay well for reliable help. Equipment costs are low if you use a shovel or borrow tools.

15. Online work

Online tutoring, transcription, data labelling and freelance writing can be done from home. For international students, check work permit conditions carefully, because rules on remote and self-employed work can be complex.

Choosing the right option

Think about your timetable, skills, transport and goals. A side hustle linked to your field of study, such as tutoring for an education student or coding for a computer science student, can strengthen your resume. Flexible work helps during exam periods, while seasonal work fits breaks.

Co-op and internships

Many Canadian institutions offer co-op programmes that combine study with paid work terms. International students in co-op programmes may need a co-op work permit. Co-op placements can pay well and lead to job offers after graduation.

Keeping records

Track income and costs from each side hustle in a spreadsheet. Keep T4 slips from employers and records of self-employed income. This makes tax returns simpler and helps you see which work is worth continuing.

Planning for summer

Summer is the main earning season for many students. Apply early for summer jobs, as many open in winter. The Canada Summer Jobs programme funds positions for young people aged 15 to 30 with employers across the country, listed on Job Bank.

Questions to ask before starting

- How many hours can I work without affecting grades?

- Does my study permit allow this work, if I am an international student?

- What will I earn after costs and tax?

- Do I need a licence, background check or insurance?

- Will this help my career or is it short-term income?

Budgeting your earnings

Once income starts, plan how to use it: rent, groceries, textbooks, savings and an emergency fund. Students who set aside even a small amount each month build a cushion for unexpected costs, such as a laptop repair or a gap between jobs. A simple monthly budget helps keep side income working for you.

Housing and work

Some students work in exchange for reduced rent, such as resident assistant roles in residence. These positions can offer housing savings alongside pay and experience, but they come with responsibilities and set hours.

Avoiding scams

Fake job offers, cheque scams and task scams often target students. Never pay to get a job or forward money for an employer. Report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

This list is general information and is not legal, tax or immigration advice.

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