Work programs

Students waiting for interview in Davis Centre

Quick links: Work Placement program | Work Study program |  Information for employers | Contact Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) | Awards & Financial Aid for Undergraduates - home

What are work programs?

Work programs at the University of Waterloo offer full and part-time jobs for full-time undergraduate and graduate students, both domestic and international, in co-op and non-co-op programs.

Work Placement program

The Work Placement program offers full-time, on-campus jobs for students who meet all eligibility requirements.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a work placement position, you must:

  • be enrolled in full-time studies the academic term immediately prior to the work term;
  • have received OSAP or other provincial student aid funding in one or both of the past two academic terms immediately prior to the work term;
  • be returning to full-time degree studies at the University of Waterloo in the term immediately following the work placement;

This program is open to undergraduate (co-op and regular) and graduate students. Students may not be enrolled in full-time academic studies while employed under this program.

Graduate students should contact their supervisor or program director before applying to confirm that the work placement term will comply with their program requirements.

Apply for a Work Placement job

Step 1: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements 

Step 2: Apply for a work placement job

Step 3: Wait to be contacted for an interview and follow up with CE as required

How much can you earn?

Work Placement program jobs pay $3,000 per month over four months plus 4% vacation pay. Employers may choose to pay below or above this amount depending on the students' experience and the nature of the position.

Need help? Contact us

Visit the Registrar Resources website for Work Placement information and forms.

Work Study program

The Work Study program offers part-time, on-campus jobs for full-time students who demonstrate financial need. 

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a work study job, you must fulfil one of the three eligibility requirement options:

Option 1: Students approved for OSAP

I have been approved for OSAP for the current term, and the following criteria apply: 

  • I am fees arranged, and
  • I am enrolled in a full-time course load, consisting of:
    • 1.5 units or more, or
    • 1.0 unit or more for students with disabilities listed on my OSAP profile.

Note: Undergraduate and graduate students can apply.

Option 2: Students approved for out-of-province financial aid 

I have been approved for out-of-province financial aid for the current term, and the following criteria apply:

  • I am fees arranged, and
  • I am enrolled in full-time course load with 1.5 units or more. 

Complete the Out-of-Province Work Study Form. 

Option 3: International students 

I am enrolled in the current term, and:

  • I am fees arranged, and

  • I am enrolled in year 1B or higher, and

  • I am enrolled in a full-time course load.

Apply to a Work Study job

If you fulfil one of the three eligibility requirement options, you may log into WaterlooWorks and submit your applications. Fees must be arranged for the term prior to applying for work study jobs.

How to search for jobs

  1. Log into WaterlooWorks.
  2. Select Work Study program Jobs link from the main menu.
  3. Select the All Jobs button from the Job Search Overview page.
  4. From the Job Search Results page, select the Job Title link(s) to open the job posting(s).

How to apply to jobs

  1. Review the job posting information and note the eligibility option that applies to you.
  2. Select the Apply button from the Floating Action Bar.
Floating action bar
  1. From the Pre-Screening Question page, select your Work Study program eligibility option.
  2. Select the Next button.
  3. From the Application Options page, select the Create Custom Application Package button.
    • Alternatively, you may select the Default Application Package button if you have a default application package already set and it contains the required documents.
  4. Select the Upload New Cover Letter button to upload your cover letter.
  5. Select the Upload New Resume button to upload your resume.
    • Alternatively, you may …
      • Select Existing Cover Letter and Select Existing Resume buttons if you have already uploaded these documents, or
      • Select from 3 resume defaults if you have default resumes already set.
  6. Select the Submit button.
  7. Select the Done button to return to the Job Search Results page.

How to check your application status

  1. Select Work Study program Jobs link from the main menu.
  2. Select the My Applications folder link from the My Jobs section.
  3. Navigate to the App Status column …
    • If you are eligible, the job status will display Referred.
    • If you are not eligible, the job status will display Declined.
    • If the employer decides to cancel the job posting, the job status will display Cancelled.
    • If the employer has decided to hire you, the job status will display Employed.

How much can you earn?

Work Study program students can earn up to $2,000 per term.

Need help? Contact us

Employer procedures

For employer-related Work Study program procedures and forms, sign in to the Registrar Resources website (coming March 16, 2026).