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Work Study

Work Study

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Work Study

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  4. Work Study

What is Work Study?

Western’s Work Study Program gives students a chance to work part-time on campus in jobs that fit around their class schedules. It’s designed to help students who need financial support by providing a steady income, while also giving them valuable work experience that can help with future studies and careers.

Eligibility:
  • You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and demonstrate a genuine financial need
  • You must be registered at main campus in a minimum 60% course load (40% course load for students with disabilities)
  • Work Study is generally not offered to first year students, as their financial need is met through the Admission Bursary process, and Work Study assistance would decrease the amount of Admission Bursary assistance
    • For special circumstances for international or graduate students, please see below
  • If you are an affilate student, check with your affiliated college for information regarding available Work Study
How to apply:
  • The Bursary, Work Study & Need Based Award programs are all based on financial need, and are all applied for via the Financial Assistance Profile Application
  • The application is available through the Student Center
    • Go to Student Financials > Financial Aid and Funding > Apply for Financial Assistance > Click here to Apply for Financial Assistance to access the application
Application deadlines:
  • The deadline to apply for work study for the Fall/Winter term is February 28

Eligibility:

  • Students must be registered in a minimum half credit at Western during the summer term
  • Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. 

How to apply: 

  • The application for summer bursary and Work Study funding is available through the Student Center

Application deadline:

  • July 25, 2025

Special Financial Assistance, including International Student Work Study, are available specifically for International Students. 

Explore programs available

Special Financial Assistance, including International Student Work Study, are available specifically for International Students. 

Explore more financial assistance for international students

How does the Graduate Work Study Program work?

  • The Graduate Work Study Program at Western is funded through tuition set-aside funds and administered through the Office of the Registrar
  • There are a limited number of spaces available in this program in each term and graduate students must apply and be approved for Work Study in each term
  • Applications are assessed in a similar fashion to that of the Undergraduate program; however, decisions are based on the highest demonstrated financial need among the pool of applicants. Approval in one term does not guarantee approval in future terms and any unused hours in one term cannot be carried over to a future term. Graduate terms run from September-December, January- April and May-August.
Minimum eligibility:
  • You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, registered in a full-time graduate program at Western
  • Must demonstrate a genuine financial need

How to apply:

  • Log into your Student Center
  • Go to Student Financials > Financial Aid and Funding > Apply for Financial Assistance > Click here to Apply for Financial Assistance to access the application. 

Deadline: 

  •  The 2025 Fall term application will be available from mid-August 2025 to 15 September 2025.

Explore more financial assistance for grad students

Work Study Tips & Best Practices

Work with your supervisor to establish a schedule that accommodates academic commitment.

Ask your supervisor to establish clear work goals & expected results. For example, where will the work be completed? How many hours should a project take to complete?

Keep track of your total hours worked and ensure your approved hours for the term are not exceeded.

Take your job seriously and perform at the highest level of your ability!

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Discover more ways to fund your education

Education is an investment. Make sure you have all the support you need — browse more bursaries and grants to ease your financial burden. 
Explore bursaries and grants