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Frequently asked questions
If we haven't answered your question here or you'd like to book an appointment with a Career Services advisor, email career.services@ubc.ca.
- When can I start looking for jobs?
- What kinds of jobs can I get through Work Study or Work Learn?
- Am I guaranteed a Work Study or Work Learn job if I am eligible to apply?
- Can I work more than 10 hours per week during Winter Session?
- Can I hold more than one job at once?
- I already have a Work Study/Work Learn job, but I've found another that is better suited to my interests. Can I change positions?
- How are my wages determined?
- Will I belong to a union?
- Do I need a certain GPA to be eligible for a Work Study or Work Learn job?
- An on-campus employer who is not a UBC staff or faculty member wants to hire me. Can they receive the wage subsidy?
1. When can I start looking for jobs?
Winter Program
In mid August, employers begin submitting project proposals to create Work Study and Work Learn positions for the Winter Session. Once approved, these positions are posted on the CareersOnline job board.
Most positions are created, posted, and filled in August, September and October. 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
In April, we begin receiving proposals and posting jobs for the Summer Session. Most positions will be posted and filled in April and May, but we post throughout the summer months, as funding permits.
2. What kinds of jobs can I get through Work Study or Work Learn?
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
- Working in clerical and administrative positions
3. Am I guaranteed a Work Study or Work Learn job if I am eligible to apply?
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. Attend a
4. How many hours per week can I work during the Winter Session?
Students can work up to a maximum of 10 hours per week from September to April. During the Summer Session, however, most positions allow students to work up to 20 hours per week.
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. However, you will likely work fewer than 300 hours for your appointment. The weekly limits are the result of negotiations between bargaining units and UBC Human Resources, and are there to prevent work from interfering with your studies.
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.
5. Can I hold more than one job at once?
You can hold only one Work Study or Work Learn position per session. 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.
6. I already have a Work Study/Work Learn job, but I've found another that is better suited to my interests. Can I change positions?
You are discouraged from changing positions once you've found a job. However, if you find another position that more closely matches your interests or academic studies, contact Work Study or Work Learn staff.
7. How are my wages determined?
Wages will be determined by the position you hold and the duties you perform. You'll find more information on the various positions, duties, and wages in the Work Study and Work Learn Position Classification Guidelines. The guidelines are updated every year to reflect changes to collective agreements.
In addition to your base wage, you will also be compensated 4% of your hourly salary, which represents your vacation pay.
8. Will I belong to a union?
No, Work Study and Work Learn positions exist outside of the unions. Classifications have been developed in consultation with the unions to reflect current on-campus work practices and agreements.
For example, if you have a job classified as Project Worker (CUPE 116), this means that some of the duties of the position would be similar to those performed by a CUPE 116 member, but you don't have to pay union dues.
9. Do I need a certain GPA to be eligible for a Work Study or Work Learn job?
You can participate in Work Study or Work Learn as long as your grades are high enough to continue with your program of study.
10. An on-campus employer who is not a UBC staff or faculty member wants to hire me. Can they receive the wage subsidy?
Only UBC staff and faculty who have an account in the UBC Payroll system are eligible to apply for and receive the wage subsidy. Businesses at University Village and other non-UBC employers cannot hire you through Work Study or Work Learn.
