Student Employment

While the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) is not directly involved with the management of student employment, it is a significant and valuable source of funding for many students.

The information below will assist in guiding you through the many student employment options available.

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships

Departments offer millions of dollars in assistantships each year which provide students with practical teaching and research experience in the classroom or lab while offsetting the costs of education.

Most assistantships are offered for the eight-month academic year between September and April, however some continue through the summer months. Part-time assistantships also are available. Most departments suggest students apply by March 1 for assistantships beginning in September.

To learn more about TAs/RAs, students should contact their department directly. They can also refer to the Graduate Student Assistantship Collective Agreement for more information. Forms and information sheets for academically employed graduate students can be found here.

Teaching Assistants may also be nominated for a Graduate Student Teaching Award (GSTA).

Students should contact their department graduate coordinator or the VP Labour in the GSA with questions about graduate employment. Departments should contact Faculty Relations with questions about employing graduate students. 

Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP)

GPS has partnered with the University of Alberta's Career Centre to develop the Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP), to provide paid flexible work experience opportunities for UAlberta graduate students. Interdisciplinary work placements will be available throughout the year to allow graduate students to strengthen their professional and transferable skills. Learn more here

Working in Canada as an International Student

As an international student, you maybe eligible to work in Canada while studying and after you graduate. Learn more here.