Undergraduate Students
Work-Study Program
The Work-Study Program is an opportunity to participate in research-based projects and earn a supplemental income. You will also gain valuable experience connecting with various members of the SFU community. Because a student’s first commitment is to study, Work-Study hours are flexible, on campus and supervised.
Work-Study positions are available during the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. Successful applicants will be awarded 140 Work-Study hours for a term. You must reapply each term you wish to be considered for the Work-Study program.
Students must reside in Canada in order to qualify for remote Work-Study Opportunities.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify and maintain your eligibility for a Work-Study placement, you must:
- have a demonstrated financial need (as assessed by SFU).
- be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units of standard graded courses in the term of application
Challenge, audit and credit-free courses are not considered.
Enrolment in a Co-op term (3 units) does not satisfy the enrolment requirement as it is not a standard graded course.
Not all students who meet eligibility requirements will receive a Work-Study offer. Work-Study will only be offered to students with the highest demonstrated financial need.
Eligibility and Notification
Approximately six weeks before the start of the upcoming term, a "Welcome to Work-Study" email will be sent to your SFU email account informing you of your eligibility to participate in the Work-Study program and how to apply for a Work-Study position.
Please note, the "Welcome to Work-Study" email will only confirm your eligibility to participate in the program and does not guarantee you will secure a Work-Study placement.
How to apply
- Check the application period at Application Deadlines.
- Apply online by logging in to the Student Information System (go.sfu.ca).
- Click on "Apply for Bursaries/Work-Study".
- Complete and submit your application.
The Work-Study application link is only available during application periods. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applying for a Work-Study Position
All Work-Study positions available for the term are posted on our Work-Study Job Search System. To view these postings, you will need to enter the access code which eligible students will receive in their "Work-Study Welcome" email.
If you are interested in a position, contact the Project Supervisor for an interview. We recommend you bring your resume, references, and a copy of your class schedule.
Each term, eligible students are able to participate in one Work-Study project. If you are offered more than one position, make a timely decision and inform the Project Supervisor(s).
Accepting a position
Once you are offered and have accepted a position, discuss a mutually acceptable work schedule with your Project supervisor, and complete and return all requested paperwork promptly.
Payment
The hourly rate of pay is $17.40 per hour, plus standard benefits.
Your Project Supervisor will have you complete the following forms:
- SFU Personal Data Form
- Federal Tax Credit Form (TD1)
- BC Tax Credit Form (TD1BC)
These forms are required by SFU's Payroll department.
Once you have been entered into the payroll system, you are paid biweekly for the actual number of hours you complete. You must report your hours to your Project Supervisor (or designate) who will convey the information to Payroll. If you do not complete the full number of Work-Study hours you have been awarded, you will not receive the full amount of your award.
International students
Service Canada no longer requires the special “Employment Contract” to apply for a SIN for Work-Study positions. If you are an International Student, and do not have a Social Insurance Number, you can download the new procedures here:
Instruction Guides for International Students
For more information, please visit International Services for Students, or contact intl_advising@sfu.ca.