Student Jobs in Guelph: Where to Find Work
Written by Emma Foster • Published August 29, 2026 • Last verified August 29, 2026
What you need to know:
The University of Guelph's student employment portal lists on-campus jobs and work-study positions.
The City of Guelph hires students for summer camps, recreation, and seasonal maintenance.
Apply for summer jobs between January and March for the best selection.
International students must have a valid study permit and SIN to work in Canada.
Co-op placements through the university are competitive and require early application.
Students in Guelph have two main official job boards: the University of Guelph's student employment portal and the City of Guelph's job listings. The university's portal, run by the Student Experience office, posts part-time, full-time, summer, and co-op positions. The city's site lists municipal jobs, including seasonal roles like camp leaders and parks maintenance.
The University of Guelph's student employment page is the first stop for on-campus work. It lists positions across departments: libraries, dining halls, recreation centres, research labs, and administrative offices. Jobs appear year-round, but the biggest wave comes in late winter for summer roles. Students can filter by type, hours, and faculty. The portal also connects to work-study programs, which fund part-time jobs for students with financial need.
The City of Guelph hires students directly. Its job board includes summer camps, recreation programs, and seasonal maintenance. These positions open in early spring, with applications due a few weeks later. The city also runs a student hiring program that places students in various departments. Check the city's website for current postings and deadlines.
Beyond these two, students find work at local businesses. Downtown Guelph has cafes, restaurants, and shops that hire students. The south end has big-box stores and malls. Chains like Pizza Nova, Domino's, and Pizza Hut operate in Guelph and regularly need delivery drivers and counter staff. These jobs rarely advertise on official boards, so walking in with a resume or checking local classifieds works better.
Co-op programs are another route. The University of Guelph's co-op office arranges paid work terms for students in many programs. These placements are competitive, and applications open a semester ahead. Students in co-op get help with resumes and interviews through the office. For non-co-op students, the same office offers career counselling and job search workshops.
Timing matters. On-campus jobs for the fall semester post in August. Winter semester jobs post in December. Summer jobs, the most plentiful, post between January and March. The city's summer hiring follows a similar schedule. Applying early helps because many positions fill quickly.
Pay rates vary. Ontario's minimum wage applies to most student jobs. On-campus positions often pay slightly above minimum. Co-op placements pay more, sometimes significantly, depending on the field. The university posts wage ranges for its jobs. The city's seasonal roles pay according to its pay grid.
International students face extra steps. They need a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number to work. The university's international student office explains the rules. On-campus work is usually allowed, but off-campus work has restrictions. Students should confirm their eligibility before applying.
Work-study programs deserve attention. They fund part-time jobs for students with financial need. The university determines eligibility through financial aid applications. These jobs are on campus and often flexible around class schedules. Students who qualify should apply early, as funding is limited.
Summer is the busiest season. The city runs summer camps, day programs, and outdoor maintenance. The university hires summer research assistants and residence staff. Local businesses take on extra help for patios and tourist traffic. Students who start looking in January have the best choices.
One thing to know: the University of Guelph's student employment portal is not the same as its general careers site. The portal is specifically for students, while the general site lists faculty and staff jobs. Use the student portal for student positions. The city's site has a separate section for student opportunities.
For off-campus housing, students often work in the same neighbourhoods where they live. The areas around the university, like Old University and the Ward, have many part-time jobs. Downtown has restaurants and shops. The south end has retail. Knowing your neighbourhood narrows the search.
To get started, visit the University of Guelph's student employment page and the City of Guelph's jobs page. Create a profile, upload a resume, and set up job alerts. For city jobs, read the posting carefully and follow the application instructions. For off-campus work, prepare a short resume and visit businesses in person during slow hours.
Finally, keep your resume current. List your availability, your program, and any relevant experience. Many student jobs require a vulnerable sector check, especially those working with children. The university and city will tell you if you need one. Apply early, check your email regularly, and follow up politely if you don't hear back.
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