Should International Students Take Summer Courses Or Find A Part-Time Job?

As the Spring semester wraps up, international students in Canada often face an important decision:

Should you take summer courses or use the time to find a part-time job?

Both paths offer valuable benefits depending on your academic goals, financial needs, and long-term plans. Let’s explore both options to help you choose what’s best for you.

 

➤ Pros:

Graduate sooner: Summer classes help you stay ahead and finish your program faster.

Avoid course overload during the Fall or Winter semesters.

Maintain academic momentum: Staying in the study mode helps prevent knowledge gaps after long breaks.

➤ Things to consider:

Tuition fees apply just like regular semesters, and summer scholarships are rare.

Limited course offerings: Seats fill up quickly, so you need to register early.

If you rely on student visa benefits (e.g., work permits or health insurance), make sure you remain a full-time student if required.

 

➤ Pros:

Earn money to support your living expenses or relieve financial pressure on your family.

Build Canadian work experience – very useful for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) or permanent residency.

Improve soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

➤ Things to consider:

You're limited to 20 hours/week during regular semesters (or up to 24 hours under the current temporary policy).

Many available jobs (e.g., retail, service, warehouse) may not relate directly to your field of study.

Without proper balance, part-time work can lead to stress or burnout.

 

➤ Ask yourself:

Is your goal to graduate early or to gain real-world work experience?

Do you have extra time or financial needs to consider?

Are there required courses only available in summer?

Can you find a job related to your major during the summer?

➤ Suggested strategy:

If you’re transferring, want to finish school faster, or need to boost your GPA, summer courses make sense.

If you want to gain Canadian work experience — especially in your industry — a summer job could be more valuable.

You can also combine both: take one summer course while working part-time, as long as you maintain a healthy balance.

 

Each option offers unique value. The key is to know your goals and balance study, work, and rest. Summer is a valuable time — use it wisely to set yourself up for a stronger next semester and a brighter future after graduation.