Part-Time Jobs Around York University School Of Continuing Studies

Students at York University School of Continuing Studies study on York University's Keele Campus in Toronto, so part-time work options are shaped by the campus, North York and the wider Greater Toronto Area. International students should always follow the current conditions on their study permit and Canada's latest work-hour rules before accepting work.

Toronto has more job variety than many smaller Canadian cities, but competition is also strong. Students should apply early, keep availability realistic and avoid relying on part-time income to cover full tuition or rent.

Common Part-Time Job Options

Job type	Where students may find it	Why it can fit
Retail assistant	Malls, supermarkets, shops and campus-area stores	Good for customer service and Canadian work experience
Food service crew	Cafes, restaurants, fast-food outlets and campus dining	Flexible shifts, but evening and weekend work is common
Barista or counter staff	Coffee shops around campus and transit corridors	Useful for communication practice
Tutor or academic support	Private tutoring, language support or peer help where eligible	Best for students with strong subject knowledge
Administrative assistant	Small offices, university departments or local businesses	Helpful for business, HR and operations students
Event staff	Campus events, conferences and Toronto venues	Short shifts and networking exposure
Customer service associate	Call centres, front desks and service businesses	Builds Canadian workplace communication
Research or project assistant	York-related opportunities where available	More competitive but academically useful
Marketing or social media assistant	Small businesses, agencies and community organizations	Relevant for digital marketing students
IT support assistant	Campus, small firms or helpdesk-style roles	Relevant for technology and cyber security students

Useful Areas To Search

Students can look around:

• York University's Keele Campus
• Finch West and York University subway station areas
• North York retail and office corridors
• Vaughan and Downsview employment areas
• Downtown Toronto, if commute time is manageable
• Campus dining, libraries, student services and event teams where roles are open
• Online job boards, LinkedIn and employer career pages

Pay And Budget Expectations

Ontario minimum wage and student wage rules can change, so students should check the current rate before planning a budget. Even with part-time work, Toronto rent, food, transit and phone costs can be high. A realistic budget should assume that part-time income helps with living expenses, not full study costs.

Students should also budget for:

• First and last month's rent deposit
• Transit pass or regular PRESTO use
• Winter clothing
• Groceries and phone plan
• Health insurance or health-related costs
• Laptop, software and course materials

Job Search Tips

Students should start preparing before arrival:

• Create a one-page Canadian-style resume
• Keep class schedule and work availability clear
• Apply to jobs near transit routes
• Practise short interview answers
• Ask instructors and classmates about professional expectations
• Use LinkedIn for networking, not only job applications
• Keep proof of work eligibility ready for employers

Work-Life Balance

SCS programs can be intensive, especially accelerated certificates. Students should avoid taking too many shifts during heavy assignment periods. Missing deadlines or group-work commitments can damage both academic performance and professional reputation.

For a September 2026 or nearby 2026 intake, the best approach is to secure housing first, understand the weekly class schedule, then apply for part-time roles that leave enough time for study, commuting and rest.