Work Study Program
The Work Study program offers part-time, paid on-campus employment to eligible undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Toronto. The program provides students with an opportunity to earn money while learning, developing workplace knowledge and skills, and exploring how their academic studies translate to career possibilities.
- More than 5,000 students participate in the
- Work Study program every year
- Positions are available at all three campuses
All Work Study positions are Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognized

Benefits
- Earn money while completing your studies
- Gain meaningful work experience where you will set goals, identify knowledge gaps, and develop the skills you will need for your future career
- Acquire valuable transferrable skills
- Be a contributing member of the University of Toronto
- Expand your network
Examples of Student Jobs
- Advancement Clerk
- Finance Assistant
- UTSC Farm Indigenous Garden Assistant
- Marketing, Communications & Web Assistant
- Digital Research Assistant
- Climate Justice Research & Writing
- Plant Scientist
- Publications Research Assistant
Work Study Program Overview
The Work Study program is offered twice/year:
- Fall-Winter Session (September-March)
- Summer Session (May-August)
There are two types of streams:
- This stream supports students in identifying and developing the specific workplace skills and competencies they need to build workplace experience and knowledge.
- These positions are supervised by staff, faculty or librarians.
- They include opportunities to explore and reflect on how academic studies are connected to workplace competencies and how the Work Study experience translates to career possibilities.
- This stream supports students in locating and participating in faculty-led research opportunities.
- These positions give students a chance to undertake or support a research project under the direction of a faculty member.
- They involve applying foundational methodologies and/or theories within a research field.
Review Your Eligibility
To be eligible for a Work Study position, you must be working towards a University of Toronto degree and must meet the eligibility requirements below.
2024/25 Fall-Winter Program
(First Day of Classes – March 31, 2025)
- Must be enrolled in at least 2.0 FCE (full course equivalent); minimum 0.5 credits in one session and 1.5 credits in the other.
- Must continue to meet the eligibility course load for the duration of the contract.
Note: The university is based in Toronto and constituted according to Ontario law; therefore, it is our expectation that the provision of services to the university will be conducted in Ontario.
International Students
- In addition to the Work Study requirements above, students are subject to Government of Canada rules and regulations regarding on-campus work.
- Individual student circumstances vary; the Work Study Program is not equipped to answer questions related to Canada Immigration policies. We encourage you to review the general information on the Centre for International Experience (CIE) website, and contact your specific campus immigration advising team for more support: UTM, UTSG, UTSC.
- Must be registered in both Fall and Winter sessions.
- Must maintain registration status for the duration of the contract.
Note: The university is based in Toronto and constituted according to Ontario law; therefore, it is our expectation that the provision of services to the university will be conducted in Ontario.
International Students
- In addition to the Work Study requirements above, students are subject to Government of Canada rules and regulations regarding on-campus work.
- Individual student circumstances vary; the Work Study Program is not equipped to answer questions related to Canada Immigration policies. We encourage you to review the general information on the Centre for International Experience (CIE) website, and contact your specific campus immigration advising team for more support: UTM, UTSG, UTSC.
2025 Summer Program
(First Day of Classes – August 15, 2025)
- Must be enrolled in at least 0.5 FCE (full course equivalent).
- May be fulfilled as any:
F course: First sub-session (May-June)
S course: Second sub-session (July-August) and/or
Y course: Full session (May-August). - Must continue to meet the eligibility course load for the duration of the contract.
Note: The university is based in Toronto and constituted according to Ontario law; therefore, it is our expectation that the provision of services to the university will be conducted in Ontario.
International Students
- In addition to the Work Study requirements above, students are subject to Government of Canada rules and regulations regarding on-campus work.
- Individual student circumstances vary; the Work Study Program is not equipped to answer questions related to Canada Immigration policies. We encourage you to review the general information on the Centre for International Experience (CIE) website, and contact your specific campus immigration advising team for more support: UTM, UTSG, UTSC.
- Must be registered in the Summer session.
- Must maintain registration status for the duration of the contract.
Note: The university is based in Toronto and constituted according to Ontario law; therefore, it is our expectation that the provision of services to the university will be conducted in Ontario.
International Students
- In addition to the Work Study requirements above, students are subject to Government of Canada rules and regulations regarding on-campus work.
- Individual student circumstances vary; the Work Study Program is not equipped to answer questions related to Canada Immigration policies. We encourage you to review the general information on the Centre for International Experience (CIE) website, and contact your specific campus immigration advising team for more support: UTM, UTSG, UTSC.
Who is NOT Eligible to Apply for a Work Study Position?
- Non-degree students.
- Students on a co-op work term and not registered in the sessional course load.
- Students registered in the Toronto School of Theology.
- Students who have graduated and are no longer registered.
- Students who do not have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Study Abroad Program participants.
Important
- You are expected to meet the eligibility requirements during the Work Study hiring period.
- You may only accept ONE Work Study position within each program cycle.
- You will not be allowed to switch positions after you have signed your Letter of Offer and received the electronic approval notification from the Work Study Program.
Important Dates & Rate of Pay
Important Dates
The Work Study program has two sessions (Fall-Winter and Summer) with specific dates that vary each session. Employers may set an application deadline before the application period ends – apply early!
6350_d85c23-60> |
2024/25 |
2025 |
---|---|---|
Student Application Period
|
August 16, 2024 – September 25, 2024 6350_476629-4c> |
April 4, 2025 – |
Hiring Deadline for Employers
|
August 16, 2024 – October 7, 2024 6350_b09fad-2a> |
April 4, 2025 – |
Program Period
|
September 3, 2024 – March 31, 2025 6350_ff5a69-eb> |
First day of classes – August 15, 2025 6350_154eeb-b1> |
Hours and Rate of Pay
The Work Study program allows for a 15-hour maximum work week; however, your work schedule will be determined with your employer based on the requirements of the job and your availability.
6350_b202e1-20> |
2024/25 Fall-Winter Program 6350_24053c-5f> |
2025 Summer Program 6350_d16d7e-8e> |
---|---|---|
Program Hours 6350_d86679-b3> |
200 hours (maximum) 6350_114235-f7> |
100 hours (maximum) 6350_989cfe-c1> |
Rate of Pay 6350_feaef7-94> |
$16.55/hour* 6350_063406-65> |
$17.20/hour 6350_697abe-ef> |
*Effective October 1, 2024, the work study hourly rate will increase to $17.20/hour to align with the new Ontario minimum wage. Previous to this, the work study hourly rate is $16.55 for hours worked September 3-30, 2024.
Notes:
- Work Study positions are non-essential by nature and have been exempted from the ESA. There is no 4% vacation pay added to the hourly wage.
- Students who work the maximum, 15 hours per week, will reach the program maximum 200 hours (100 in the summer) before the program end date. Keep track of your hours and notify your employer when you start getting close to the total hours.
Applying for Positions
Preparing Your Application
To participate in the Work Study program, you must meet Work Study eligibility requirements. You should then complete the following steps:
Consider all jobs that interest you; do not limit yourself to those jobs that appear directly related to your studies. All Work Study jobs have transferable skills and provide for work-integrated learning possibilities.
Work Study job postings become available on the Careers & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) website during the Student Application Period.
Think beyond the position title! Use keywords from your goals to search for positions that will help you build those transferable skills.
Example: Do you want to be a lawyer when you graduate?
There are many transferable skills required for this role – try these keywords in your search: advising, problem-solving, work under tight deadlines, research, and analysis.
Understand the knowledge and skills required for the position and tailor your resume to demonstrate you have them (think about all your experience: academic work, volunteer, student leadership, and employment).
- Attend a Resume Workshop or have your resume reviewed at your campus career services office (UTM, UTSG, UTSC).
- Attend a live information session. These sessions will be scheduled in April for the summer Work Study cycle and August for the Fall-Winter cycle. Students can register through the CLNx events calendar.
- To find relevant workshops and events, login to CLNx and then select your campus.
- To sign-up for appointments, login to CLNx and then select your campus.
Additional Resources – Videos
- Work Study Info Session for Incoming Students (recorded on August 25, 2022) – learn about the application process, streams, and how to co-create a positive workplace.
Preparing for the Interview
Once you have applied, the next step in the process is being interviewed by a prospective employer. Just like your resume, you will be asked questions demonstrating your knowledge and skills related to the requirements of the job. Go to the interview prepared to share a story related to each of the core knowledge or skill requirements.
Check out Big Interview, a free, online system that combines training and practice to help improve your interview technique and build your confidence.
- Watch this helpful video on How to Access Big Interview (U of T) for Preparing for Interviews
After Applying
Congratulations on being hired! Please follow the next steps for onboarding.
By the end of the hiring period if you have not heard back from the hiring department it is very likely they have moved forward with another student. It is natural to feel disappointment with this outcome.
If you are unsuccessful with receiving an interview or a job offer, use this time to strengthen your application and consider attending workshops or booking an appointment with the career services on your campus. You may also consider contacting a financial advisor in your faculty, college, or campus to see what options are available.
Tri-Campus Career Services
Each of the tri-campus career services offices has a suite of resources to train and support Work Study students:
Mississauga campus: offers a variety of workshops, appointments, and online modules, visit the UTM Career Centre for more information.
St. George campus: offers a variety of workshops, events, and resources through CLNx. These workshops can support your professional development in topics such as networking, navigating career uncertainty, negotiating job offers, and navigating identity in the workplace. Visit the Student Life Events Calendar for more information.
Scarborough campus: offers workshops on a variety of topics including communication skills, professionalism at the workplace, and equity and inclusion. For a complete listing and to register, visit UTSC Academic Advising and Career Centre.
Accepting a Job Offer

Congratulations, you're hired!
Your supervisor will work with their department to issue you a conditional Work Study Letter of Offer (LOO) before the end of the hiring period.
Note: If you receive a verbal offer of employment, be sure the written LOO follows shortly afterwards (if needed, follow-up with the hiring department before the Work Study deadline).
Action Items & Next Steps
Once you receive the LOO, review it, sign it, and send it to your supervisor.
The hiring department will complete the Online Hiring Approval. This confirms your eligibility to participate in the Work Study program (and satisfies one of the LOO conditions).
Important – Do not start working until you receive this electronic notification.
- If you meet the sessional requirements, the Work Study program will send an email to you, your employer, and their administrative contact(s), confirming you have been approved.
- Follow-up with your supervisor if you have not received the confirmation email.
In each Work Study cycle the program offers campus-specific documentation that hiring departments can use to supplement their hiring package (see below).
Check with your employer to ensure you receive their complete hiring package, which may include additional and/or department-specific forms.
If you require assistance, please connect with the contact listed in your LOO or email workstudy@utoronto.ca with your student number to locate the administrative contact associated with your work study position.
UTM
2024-25 Fall/Winter UTM – Specific Forms
- 2024-25 Fall/Winter Monthly Timesheet
- 2024-25 Fall/Winter Bi-Weekly Timesheet
- UTM Employee Information Form: this form must accompany all Work Study letters of offer.
- UTM Payroll Bank Authorization Form
- 2024-25 UTM Payroll Schedule
- UTM Payroll Contacts for timesheet submission
2025 Summer UTM – Specific Forms
- Work Study Bi-Weekly Timesheet
- Work Study Monthly Timesheet
- Employee Information Form
- Bank Authorization Form
- UTM Payroll Schedule
UTSG
2024-25 Fall/Winter UTSG – Specific Forms
- Work Study Program Timesheet
- Work Study Program Payroll Schedule
- Banking Direct Deposit Form
- TD1-2024 Personal Tax Credits Return (Federal)
- TD1-ON-2024 Ontario Personal Tax Credits Return 2024 (Provincial)
2025 Summer UTSG – Specific Forms
- Work Study Program Timesheet
- Banking Direct Deposit Form
- TD1-2025 Personal Tax Credits Return (Federal)
- TD1-ON-2025 Ontario Personal Tax Credits Return 2024 (Provincial)
UTSC
2024-25 Fall/Winter UTSC – Specific Forms
2025 Summer UTSC – Specific Forms
To access your payroll documentation (pay stubs, tax documentation, etc.) you will need your University of Toronto personnel number to connect to the Employee Self Service portal.
- Follow-up with your employer if they do not provide this information (or contact workstudy@utoronto.ca with your student number).
As outlined in your LOO, you must complete the following mandatory training within 60 days of starting (refer to your letter for exemptions):
1. Basic Occupational Health & Safety Awareness Training Program
The University offers EHS002 Basic Health and Safety Awareness Training through Quercus. Visit the My EHS Training website to register and for instructions on how to access training.
2. University of Toronto Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Online Training
Once you are onboarded into the system by the hiring department’s Business Officer (or equivalent), you will receive an automated notification to your utoronto.ca email indicating when the University of Toronto AODA training has been assigned to you for completion. Until you receive this notification, you will not have access to the AODA training.
3. Two Hours Paid Training
- One hour for setting and reflecting on learning goals
- One hour for professional development and/or skills training
For further support please connect with your hiring department’s administrator (or the contact indicated in your LOO).
Your supervisor will create your work schedule based on the job requirements and your academic activities. Work must not exceed the weekly maximum (15 hours) nor occur during a University holiday.
The Work Study program allows for a 15 hour maximum work week, however your work schedule will be determined with your employer based on the requirements of the job and your availability.
- Keep track of your hours and notify your employer when you start getting close to the total hours.
- As part of your onboarding confirm the hiring department’s bi-weekly or monthly payroll process, schedule, and deadlines with your supervisor and/or their administrative contacts.
- The student, supervisor and payroll department all have a role to play in ensuring payroll is processed accurately and in a timely manner.
- As a student worker, you are responsible for submitting your bi-weekly or monthly payroll hours appropriately to meet payroll deadlines. Late payroll submissions may not be accepted.
- For payroll concerns, your first point of contact is your employer and departmental administrator (or designate).
Use the Work Study eModule series (or the Professional Development Workbook) to help you understand the connection of Work Study to your career and academics, identify what skills you want to further develop, and learn how to articulate what you gained from your experience to employers.
Consider some of the career workshops available on your campus (go to the Events & Workshops CLNx page and select your campus). There is also a series of workshops called Professionalism in the Workplace available on Quercus. The eModule/Workbook are optional but highly recommended, and your supervisor may choose to support your learning goals in another way.
All work study contracts end on the final day of the program; extensions are not permitted. Make sure that you follow the departmental off-boarding procedures.
In a couple of months, you will also want to ensure that your position appears on your Co-Curricular Record (CCR).
You should expect to see your updated CCR within two months after the program ends. If you have any questions about the CCR, please email ccr@utoronto.ca.
If you require further assistance, please connect with the contact listed in your Letter of Offer (LOO) or email workstudy@utoronto.ca with your student number to locate the administrative contact associated with your work study position.
Contacts
- Work Study program inquiries and student eligibility: workstudy@utoronto.ca
- CLNx application and submission questions:
- Mississauga Campus:
workstudy.utm@utoronto.ca - St. George Campus:
workstudy@utoronto.ca - Scarborough Campus:
aaccws.utsc@utoronto.ca
- Mississauga Campus:
- Tri-campus Career Services:
- Career and financial advisors in your faculty, college, division
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
No, the fall-winter Work Study program is one continuous cycle that starts in September and ends in March.
There is no Work Study policy against additional (on-campus and/or off-campus) employment as long as it is not another Work Study position. If you have multiple work contracts with the University, be sure to inform each department.
You should also consider other requirements beyond the Work Study program. For example, there may be a limit on the maximum hours per week you can work as allowed by your study/work permit (for international students) and/or a scholarship limit.
No. In each Work Study cycle you are only allowed to accept one position so make sure it is the one you want! If you are unsure about the offer and/or need more time to finish other interviews you could ask the hiring department to consider extending your response deadline.
Eligibility
Once you have been approved for a Work Study position, you must continue to maintain your Work Study eligibility (i.e., continue to be registered in the eligible course load) as outlined in your Letter of Offer.
If you drop courses and subsequently become ineligible, you need to inform your supervisor and stop working. The hiring department will complete the off-boarding process and pay you for all Work Study hours worked until that time.
Yes, being away in any academic term translates into ineligibility for Work Study. The program is designed with the expectation that students are present and available for the entire program period: September to March (for the fall-winter Work Study session) and May to August (for the summer Work Study session).
If you accept a Work Study position you are required to remain located in geographical proximity to the applicable University premises, even if some (or all) of your job duties can be performed remotely. The University is based in Toronto and constituted according to Ontario law, therefore, it is our expectation that the provision of services to the University will be conducted in Ontario.
No. If you are an undergraduate student you will not be eligible to apply since you will not be meeting the summer course load requirement.
Graduate students must ensure they are registered students in the summer session.
To be eligible for the fall-winter program you must maintain continuous registration in a minimum 2.0 FCE across the fall AND winter sessions. A Co-op work term (in either fall or winter) indicates you would not meet this eligibility requirement, and should not apply for Work Study.
No. For students going abroad (through a study abroad program and/or simply learning remotely) even if the sessional course load/registration requirement is met, the Work Study program is designed with the expectation that students are present and available to work in Ontario for the entire program period (May to August).
Application Process
No. The CLNx system does not screen applications for program eligibility, therefore, you should only apply to Work Study postings if you meet ALL eligibility requirements (including a valid SIN/permit).
Carefully review the Eligibility section before applying to any Work Study position.
Unless specified in the Work Study Job posting, students can view and apply to positions on any campus.
To access your unofficial transcript, follow the steps on the Academic History/Unofficial Transcript webpage.
Employment
No, all Work Study hires must be approved by the Work Study program before you begin working.
After you have signed the Work Study Letter of Offer, the hiring department will submit the Online Hiring Approval Form to get you approved as a Work Study student. If you meet the program requirements, we will send an email to you, your supervisor, and their administrator, confirming you have been approved.
DO NOT start working until you receive the approval notification; check with your supervisor if it’s missing.
Once you are onboarded by the hiring department’s Business Officer (or equivalent), you will receive an automated notification to your utoronto.ca email indicating when the U of T AODA training has been assigned to you for completion. Until you receive this notification, you will not have access to the AODA training.
If you require further assistance please connect with the contact listed in your Letter of Offer, or send an email to workstudy@utoronto.ca to confirm the Business Officer associated with your Work Study position.
You and your supervisor will agree on a work schedule that fits the job requirements and your academic activities. All Work Study hours must be supervised and follow these additional guidelines:
- work must not occur during a university holiday
- work outside of regular business hours must be mutually agreed upon
- total weekly hours must not exceed 15 hours
- total program hours must not exceed the funded hours (100 hrs in summer cycle, 200 hrs in fall-winter cycle)
- all work study hours must be completed within the program start and end dates
Work Study students are exempt from holiday pay and must not be working during any of the University of Toronto holidays. Please check the Holiday Schedule for specific dates.
You will be paid by direct deposit on the appropriate pay dates according to the relevant bi-weekly or monthly Payroll Schedule available on the HR Service Centre.
The internal payroll process may vary by department so you should confirm your hiring department’s process with your supervisor and/or their administrative contact. However, be sure to submit your work study hours as you complete them.
Yes. Your Work Study income is subject to deductions required by law. It is best to consult with a tax specialist regarding your tax obligations.
International students can find general guidance from the Centre for International Experience in the Income Tax tab.
Your payroll documentation will be available online through Employee Self-Service (ESS).
To download your pay statements and T4 slip:
- Login to My HR Self-Service
- Click on ‘Employee Self-Service’
- Click on ‘Pay and Benefits Information’
You will need your University of Toronto Personnel Number. If you do not have this number, follow up with your hiring department for this information or send an email to workstudy@utoronto.ca (remember to include your student number).
No, as outlined on the Work Study website you may accept only one Work Study position in each program cycle.
Once you have been hired into one Work Study position (i.e., signed the Letter of Offer and received program approval), you cannot be hired into another Work Study position in the same cycle.
Professional Development
The eModule and Workbook are optional but highly recommended, and your supervisor may choose to support your learning goals in another way. You can work on either the Work Study eModule series (web format) or the Professional Development Workbook PDF as preferred.
Former Work Study Students
Inactive employees do not have access to the Employee Self Service and will receive paper tax forms in the mail. These documents will be sent to the most recently recorded mailing address in your U of T personnel file on HRIS. 2023 tax forms will be mailed from the University by the end of February.
Inactive employees who have moved or changed addresses in the past year must notify their Divisional HR Office to have their mailing information updated for future pay statements and tax forms.
Inactive employees who do not receive a tax slip in the mail may contact payroll.hr@utoronto.ca to request a paper copy. Please include the following information in your request:
- Full name, as recorded in your U of T HRIS file.
- Your personnel number.
- Date of birth (YYYY-MM-DD).
- Phone Number.
- Delivery method:
- Email—please submit your request in writing and provide a valid email address.
- Standard mail—please provide a valid mailing address.
Requests for past pay statements should be directed to payroll.hr@utoronto.ca.
Requests for a Record of Employment should be directed to payroll.hr@utoronto.ca.
Requests for a letter confirming past employment, position and pay, etc. should be directed to the Divisional HR office relevant to your former Work Study employer.