Information for Students

On this page:

How Does it Work? | Who is Eligible? | How to Apply? | When to Apply? | Accepted - Now What? | Getting Hired | Refused - Now What?

How Does it Work?

When accepted to participate in the Work Study program, students are able to apply for Work Study jobs which are listed here. Students apply directly to employers for the jobs and get paid by employers for their work.  The employers who participate in the Work Study program receive wage subsidies from the following funds managed by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office:

• University Budget
• McGill Alumni Association (Alma Mater Fund)
• Ministère de l’Éducation
• Arts Undergraduate Society
• Science Undergraduate Society

Who is Eligible?

• Full-time students in a degree program.
• Students in satisfactory academic standing.
• Students who have demonstrated financial need. In order to be considered for Work Study, students must apply and be receiving the maximum government aid for which they are eligible.
• Not eligible: Special, Visiting, Qualifying, Non-thesis extension (less than 12 credits), Continuing Education, Diploma, and Certificate students. Part-time students are not eligible unless the student has a recognized disability.

How to Apply

Applications are available online for students currently registered at McGill. Log in to MINERVA and click on Financial Aid & Awards Menu to complete and submit an application.

Work Study does not guarantee employment as hiring decisions are made by participating employers.

When to Apply

EARLY!

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year but it is highly recommended that students apply in the summer for the coming academic year. Students who apply by mid August will know whether or not they have been accepted by the beginning of the fall term and will have access to more jobs. Applications can be submitted starting in July for the upcoming academic year and are assessed on a rolling basis, except during peak periods when recommended submission dates apply.

Students must re-apply each year for Work Study.

Recommended Submission Dates

Accepted- Now What?

1. Consult the online job postings. Each posting will indicate the duration of the position, the number of hours of work per week, the rate of pay, a short job description and the skills required. Work Study positions are located on the campus or in surrounding facilities and are designed to fit around your academic schedule.
2. To apply for positions that interest you, contact the individual listed on the job posting. Be prepared to provide information about your work experience at the interview; a current resume makes a good impression!
3. The employer will be able to verify that you have been accepted into the Work Study program by consulting the Accepted/Refused Student List.
4. If hired, the employer must complete a Work Study Job Assignment form with you. The employer must give you a copy of the form and then fax or mail a hard copy to the Scholarships and Student Aid Office so that you can be matched to the position.

Getting Hired

Congratulations! The employer has decided that you are the right candidate for the job. You and the employer should decide together on a work schedule that you can maintain during your studies - more than 15 hours of work per week is not recommended for full-time students.

YOU are responsible for:

• Ensuring that you have been approved for Work Study by consulting the Accepted/Refused Student List PRIOR to attending a job interview for a Work Study position.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic standing
• Maintaining full-time status in a degree program
  • If you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for Work Study during the academic year (i.e., you drop to part-time status, withdraw from the University, or finish your degree program) your Work Study authorization will be rescinded.
• Obtaining a Canadian Social Insurance Number

International students should refer to the links below (visit the International Student Services Office for more information).

• Work Opportunities for International Students
• SIN
• Employment Contract

YOUR EMPLOYER is responsible for:

• Forwarding a copy of the completed Work Study Job Assignment form to the Scholarships and Student Aid Office
• Following all Work Study employment procedures
• Ensuring you are suitably trained and supervised
• Placing you on payroll (a Canadian Social Insurance Number is required)
• Ensuring you are paid every two week

Refused - Now What?

You can send an email to work [dot] study [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Work Study) if your circumstances have changed or if you have additional information that you would like us to consider.

TIPS:

McGill’s Career Planning Service (CaPS), can help you with your resume. For more information about their C.V. drop-in schedule, visit CaPS.