Work Learn program

About the Work Learn program

The Work Learn Program supports and subsidizes meaningful work experiences on and off campus, offering current UBC Vancouver students the opportunity to develop their professional skills in a work environment.

Learn from a mentor, expand your professional network, and gain work experience and skills through a part-time UBC job while taking classes.

A headshot of Ellie Gang, a Work Learn student.

“[This] was my first full-time job where I gained an exposure working with many health personnel, like Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and researchers. Right now, I am working on a literature review for the government, and it never ceases to amaze me how many doors one Work Learn opportunity opens.”

Ellie, Year 5, Science

Read her story (pdf)

Examples of past Work Learn jobs

Employers in the Work Learn Program are faculty, staff, and affiliates with UBC Vancouver. Work Learn positions span a wide range of industries, including research, project coordination, marketing, and more.

Past positions include:

  • Indigenous Engagement Climate Emergency Research
  • Health Promotion Undergraduate Research Assistant
  • Oral Microbiology Project Assistant
  • Arena Operations Staff
  • Environment Data Analyst
  • UBC Library Shelving and Circulation Assistant
  • UBC Farm Marketing and Education Assistant

Time commitment

There are 2 sessions of the Work Learn program:

  • Winter Session (September 1 to April 30)
    You can work a maximum of 10 hours per week, which is a total of 300 hours over Winter Term 1 and 2.
  • Summer Session (May 1 to August 31)
    You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, which is a total of 300 hours over Summer Term 1 and 2. Office or Library Worker positions are limited to 10 hours per week, which is a total of 180 hours for the summer session.

Not all positions will offer the maximum number of hours listed above. Employers request how many hours they expect for each position when submitting a proposal to the program. This number varies between units. Check the job listing and confirm with your employer when you are interviewing for a position.

Pay and compensation

Work Learn positions are part-time. Compensation ranges from $16.75 to $32.66 hourly, depending on the role's responsibilities and the session it takes place in.

Review the different job categories and rates for each session:

When employers submit their proposal for the program, the level and type of work must match the rates and duties as outlined in the Position Classification Guide.

Eligibility requirements

Before you apply, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Specific requirements for students

Depending on what type of student you are, you must meet specific requirements to be eligible for a Work Learn position. 

Domestic students

Undergraduate students

Summer Session (May to August) positions

You must be registered in courses for one of the following:

  • The previous term (Winter Term 2)
  • The Summer Session (either in Summer Term 1 or 2)

Winter Session (September to April) positions

You must be registered in courses in both Winter Terms 1 and 2 to hold a Work Learn position for the full duration of the Winter Session.

Graduate students in a Masters or PhD program

For both Winter Session (September to April) and Summer Session (May to August) positions, you must either be registered in courses or have continuing registration and be paying tuition fees.

Students in a professional or diploma program

Summer Session (May to August) positions

You must be registered in summer courses (either in Summer Term 1 or 2).

Winter Session (September to April) positions

You must be registered in courses in the term you plan to hold a Work Learn position.

Unclassified students

Summer Session (May to August) positions

You must be registered in summer courses (either in Summer Term 1 or 2).

Winter Session (September to April) positions

You must be registered in courses in each term you plan to hold a Work Learn position.

Visiting students from outside of UBC

Summer Session (May to August) positions

You must be registered in summer courses (either in Summer Term 1 or 2).

Winter Session (September to April) positions

You must be registered in courses in each term you plan to hold a Work Learn position.

 If you’re in your last term of courses and graduating

You are eligible for a Work Learn position only for the academic term directly following the completion of your courses, regardless of your graduation date. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students.

  • If you finish your courses in the Summer Session (August) and graduate in November, you are eligible to hold a Work Learn position in Winter Term 1 only.
  • If you finish your courses in Winter Term 1 (December) and graduate in May, you are eligible to hold a Work Learn position in Winter Term 1 and Winter Term 2 only.
  • If you finish your courses in Winter Term 2 (April) and graduate in May, you are eligible to hold a Work Learn position in the Summer Session after.

International students

Make sure you have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you start your Work Learn position. The application process for a SIN can take several weeks.

Undergraduate students

Summer Session (May to August) positions

  • You must be registered in courses for the previous term (Winter Term 2) or the Summer Session (either Summer Term 1 or 2).
  • You must have a valid study permit.
  • You must be on a scheduled break, or be considered full time for immigration purposes.

    Winter Session (September to April) positions

    • You must be registered in courses in both Winter Terms 1 and 2 to hold a Work Learn position for the full duration of the Winter Session.
    • You must have a valid study permit.
    • You must be considered full time for immigration purposes.

      Graduate students in a Master or PhD program

      For both Winter Session (September to April) and Summer Session (May to August) positions:

      • You must be registered in courses or have continuing registration and paying tuition fees.
      • You must have a valid study permit.
      • You must be considered full time for immigration purposes in the term(s) you plan on holding a Work Learn position.

      Students in a professional or diploma program

      For both Winter Session (September to April) and Summer Session (May to August) positions:

      Unclassified students

      For both Winter Session (September to April) and Summer Session (May to August) positions:

      • You must have a valid study permit or have applied to extend your study permit and have maintained status.
      • You must be enrolled full-time for immigration purposes during academic terms and during Summer Session.
      • Your study permit includes conditions allowing you to work on campus such as, “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v), or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria”.
      • You cannot work during scheduled breaks.

      Exchange or visiting students from outside of UBC

      Summer Session (May to August) positions

      • You must be registered in summer courses (either Summer Term 1 or 2).
      • You must have a valid study permit.
      • You must be considered full time for immigration purposes in the term(s) you plan on holding a Work Learn position.

      Winter Session (September to April) positions

      • You must be registered in courses in each term you plan to hold a Work Learn position.
      • You must have a valid study permit.
      • You must be considered full time for immigration purposes in the term(s) you plan on holding a Work Learn position.

      If you’re in your last term of courses and graduating

      You are eligible for a Work Learn position only for the academic term directly following the completion of your courses, regardless of your graduation date. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students.

      • If you finish your courses in the Summer Session (August) and graduate in November, you are eligible to hold a Work Learn position in Winter Term 1 only.
      • If you finish your courses in Winter Term 1 (December) and graduate in May, you are eligible to hold a Work Learn position in Winter Term 1 and Winter Term 2 only.
      • If you finish your courses in Winter Term 2 (April) and graduate in May, you are eligible to hold a Work Learn position in the Summer Session after.

      Additional requirements

      • If you completed program requirements and your program completion letter is not yet available, you are considered by UBC to be full time for immigration purposes and are still eligible to work unlimited hours on campus.
      • If your letter of completion is available, you must meet one of the following scenarios:
        • You have a valid study permit and you have applied for a work permit, such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit, within 90 days after completing your program at UBC.
        • You have an official letter of acceptance into a new academic program, and you have a valid study permit or you have applied to extend your study permit when the old study permit was still valid. 
        • You have some other form of authorization to work in Canada.

      If you have questions about your eligibility, please speak with an International Student Advisor.

      Applying for a Work Learn position

      There are over 500 Work Learn positions available each term. All Work Learn jobs are posted on CareersOnline, the online job board for UBC students.

      Positions for the Winter Session are typically posted in August, and Summer Session jobs are posted in March. Term 2 positions may be posted in early December as well. Check CareersOnline throughout the year for opportunities.

      1. Log into CareersOnline.
      2. On the left sidebar under Opportunities, select "Work Learn Program".
      3. Browse jobs and read the job descriptions carefully.
      4. Follow the application instructions listed on the posting.

      If you are interested in creating your own Work Learn position, learn about the program details from a Work Learn supervisor’s perspective and email work.learn@ubc.ca if you have questions about this option.

      Tips for applying

      • Before applying, learn what to include in your resume and cover letter and how to articulate your employable skills.
      • You can apply for as many Work Learn positions that interest you, but be sure to mention skills and experiences relevant to each job posting to increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
      • Some job postings interview on a rolling basis, so consider submitting your applications sooner rather than later.
      • Review how to prepare for an interview including what to expect during and after your interview.
      • For further guidance, visit the UBC Career Centre to meet with a Career Advisor and to access Career Resources.

      Work Learn student resources

      If you want to apply for a Work Learn job or are currently a Work Learn student, take the Work Learn Fundamentals Canvas course.

      Course topics include:

      • Finding a Work Learn job
      • Navigating the workplace
      • How to schedule your hours
      • Receiving your payment
      • Reflecting on your work experience

      The following resources can also help you make the most of your Work Learn experience:

      If you have questions

      Additional resources

      • Career resources
        Find tips on getting a job, improve your application, or book an appointment with a career advisor.
      • Community Based Work Learn
        If you identify as an Indigenous student or a student with a disability, work off-campus while receiving mentorship and training.
      • Working in Canada
        If you’re an international student, learn what conditions you need to meet to work in Canada.
      • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
        If you're planning to work in Canada, you'll need an SIN to be paid.

      Apply for Work Learn

      Work Learn positions are posted on CareersOnline throughout the year, usually March for summer roles and August for winter jobs.