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Work Study - Experiential Learning Hub
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Home Types of Experiential Learning at U of T Work Study

Learning Type:

Work Study

WHAT IS IT?

The Work Study program is an opportunity for current undergraduate and graduate students to work on campus with faculty members and staff to enhance (inter)disciplinary and professional learning. There are over 5,000 positions available each year across both the Fall / Winter term (September to March) and the Spring / Summer term (May to August). There are various resources and supports available to help make the most of the Work Study experience.

There are two streams in the Work Study program: 

  • The Work Experience Stream is designed to support students in developing and articulating workplace skills and competencies and in building workplace experience and knowledge.
  • The Research Experience Stream is designed to support students in developing and articulating workplace skills and competencies, building workplace experience and knowledge and in locating and participating in faculty-led research opportunities.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS 

Eligibility: 

  • The Work Study program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Check the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network’s Work Study page for full eligibility criteria for the current or upcoming Work Study term.

Duration:  

  • Work Study jobs typically require up to 15 hours of work per week to a maximum of 200 hours for the Fall/Winter term (September to March) and 100 hours for the Spring/Summer term (May to August).

Recognition and / or compensation:  

  • Work Study positions are paid, the Work Study Program minimum hourly rate is $15.50. Units have discretion to pay a higher hourly rate.

Accessibility:

  • Inclusion in EL is achieved when an experience supports learning for all students. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the University of Toronto has a commitment to an equitable learning environment for people with disabilities. It is important to engage in an interactive process to determine the optimal and most appropriate accommodations for individual students engaged in experiential learning.
  • If a student requires an accommodation related to a work study opportunity, you may wish to connect with one of the accessibility services offices at the University of Toronto. Staff at these offices will advise you on the disclosure of accommodation requirements as well as support you through the process of determining and negotiating effective accommodations for the student’s individual circumstances.
  • Student support offices strive to create a safe and comfortable community where students have opportunities to discuss navigating barriers, find peer support and learn about various academic and social opportunities. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • As an employee of the University, students receive workplace insurance coverage.
  • Students engaging in Work Study have general liability coverage through the University.

BENEFITS

  • Through the Work Study program, students develop their knowledge and skills in areas of interest.
  • The work experience students gain through the program allows them to explore how their academic studies translate into career pathways.
  • Since students are working on campus, they are generally able to negotiate their work hours to accommodate their course schedule and co-curricular activities with their employer.

Ideal time to participate:  

  • This will depend on students’ academic, professional, and personal goals but they can participate multiple times throughout their time studying at the University of Toronto. Work Study is an excellent way to start work-integrated learning and can act as a launching point for future opportunities.
  • You will be able to filter for Work Study positions if you are interested in a Work Experience Stream or a Research Experience Stream position. In determining what Stream you are interested in, consider what professional development goals you would like to achieve through your Work Study role. 

How to access / locate opportunities:

Resources for Faculty, Staff and Librarians

  • If you are interested in the Work Study program, you will need to consider if the position you are proposing is a Work Experience Stream position or a Research Experience Stream position. Since the Research Experience Stream is designed to support students in locating faculty-led research opportunities, all staff and librarians posting positions will select ‘Work Experience Stream’. Faculty posting positions will need to determine if their role meets the Research Experience Stream criteria or if it is better positioned as a Work Experience Stream role. Criteria for both streams is included on the CLNx Work Study pages.
  • Visit CLNx to find full details about the Work Study program including program requirements and eligibility, upcoming program dates and the step by step process for hiring work-study students.
  • The Work Study program offers a Professional Development Workbook to support student’s reflective process.
  • Read “6 Reasons for Faculty, Staff and Librarians to Participate in the Work Study Program.”
  • Advancing Equitable & Inclusive Experiential Learning Opportunities: A Five-Stage Framework for Change: created by Arts & Science’s Experiential Learning and Outreach Support Office, this guide aims to support EL practitioners in providing EL opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and engage students in meaningful ways.

Work Study is not a partnered experiences. If an organization wishes to engage students in a paid work term, please review the information on the Co-op / Professional Work Term page.