Winter Program

In early August, positions will be posted on CareerConnect.

Most positions are created, posted, and filled in August and September. But we continue to receive and post positions throughout the year as funding permits, so if you don't get a job right away, just keep looking and applying.

Summer Program

You can start looking on CareerConnect early April for jobs. Most positions will be posted and filled in April and May, but we post throughout the summer months, as funding permits.

Students work in a wide range of positions – it really depends on the needs of the unit or individual that is hiring. Some examples include:

• Assisting professors with research projects in labs
• Planning events and/or coordinating programs for units such as Student Development
• Assisting at sports events and as front desk staff for Athletics and Recreation
• Working in circulation and book shelving at the UBC Library

No, you are not guaranteed a position – even if you are eligible. As with any other job, you must search for opportunities, submit applications, and find employers who want to hire you.

Work Study and Work Learn positions can be competitive, so contact us if you need help with your resumé, cover letter, or interview skills.

You can work a maximum amount of 12 hours per week up to a maximum of 300 hours for the Winter Term.  If you are hired for only one term you can work up to a maximum of 150 hours.  During Summer Session, you can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 300 hours. 

The weekly limits are set because you primary commitment is to study.

You can only work in one work study or work learn position.  However, you can hold one position in Winter Session and another in Summer Session, as these are different programs and do not overlap. This means that you could potentially be employed year-round. If you participate in Work Study or Work Learn, you may also hold a non-wage subsidy job.

Please note that there are special regulations for international students who want to work in Canada. Check out the International Student Handbook for details.

If you find another position that more closely matches your interests or academic studies, contact Work Study or Work Learn staff.

Wages are determined by the hiring supervisor.  In addition to your base wage, you will also be compensated 4% of your hourly salary, which represents your vacation pay.

No, Work Study and Work Learn positions exist outside of the unions.  However, If some of the duties of the position are similar to those performed by a BCGEU member, you will be paid the union wage but you will not belong to the union or have to pay union dues.

No, as long as your grades are high enough to continue with your program of study, you can participate in Work Study or Work Learn.

No, only UBC staff and faculty who have an account in the UBC Payroll system are eligible to receive the wage subsidy. Businesses at University Village and other non-UBC employers cannot apply to hire you through Work Study or Work Learn.

The maximum number of hours for which the wage subsidy will be applied in Winter or Summer Sessions is 300, or 150 hours for a one-term appointment in Winter Session.

Discuss with your employer the number of hours that are expected for this position. To calculate how much money you can potentially earn, multiply your hourly wage by the number of hours per week that you'll likely work, and then by the number of weeks you may work.