NEW PROGRAM UPDATES 2026-2027
Pay rates for Work Study students: New Student Assistant pay rates will apply to new Work Study students hired in the coming terms.
Subsidy: For the Academic Year 2026-2027, 40 Work Study positions will be subsidized for one semester each. These positions may be allocated across the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 terms. If the quota is not filled in Fall, another posting phase will occur in Spring. Any unfilled positions remaining in Spring may be allocated to Summer extensions. Subsidies per position remain $3,000 per semester.
*Due to limited funding, we can only allow KPU Faculty or Department to hire for a maximum of 3 Work Study positions per term.
| What is the Work Study Program? | The Work Study Program offers part-time job opportunities for full-time KPU students. The program provides financial assistance and career-related employment experiences to students with demonstrated financial needs. In recognizing that students' first commitment is to their studies, these positions are flexible and can offer challenging work and future experience for students who will work with faculty or staff in academic or administrative units. Work Study awards are adjudicated by the Student Awards and Financial Assistance (SAFA) Office while work study placements are arranged through the Career Development Centre. KPU faculty and staff can hire students who are eligible for the program as per the specific student criteria and receive subsidies from SAFA. |
Guidelines to Post and Hire Work Study Students (Step-by-step guidelines on how to post and hire students including links to the hiring forms) |
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| What are the criteria for students to apply? | Student must …
*Students with a documented permanent disability through StudentAid BC (as assessed through their grant/loan application) are eligible to participate in Work-Study at a reduced course load (minimum 6.0 credit hours, i.e. 40%). |
| How many hours per week can they work? | maximum of 15 hours per week |
| What is the position duration? | 1-semester contract: Fall - Sep 2026 to Dec 23, 2026 I *Spring - Jan 2027 to Mar 31, 2027 I **Summer - May 2027 to Aug 31, 2027 2-semester contract: Fall & Spring - Sep 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 *Spring: contract ends on March 31 due to the fiscal year end. |
| When is the deadline for hiring or extending a contract? | Fall 2026: September 18, 2026 (All hiring paperwork must be submitted by October 2, 2026) Spring 2027: January 29, 2027 (All hiring paperwork must be submitted by February 12, 2027) *Summer 2027: Submit extension form by March 19, 2027 *Summer extension is not guaranteed, and it’s subject to quota availability. |
| Funding of Work Study positions |
Subsidy per work term remains $3000 per semester. Any funds not used will be clawed back at the end of the semester, while any overages from the $3000 subsidy will be paid for by the department employing the Work Study student. |
| What is the wage? | Rate of pay effective on June 1st, 2026 B.C. minimum wage rate $18.25. Students with one (1) year of post-secondary education will receive a base rate plus 8% ($19.71); students with a post-secondary degree or diploma will receive a base rate plus 21% ($22.08) (per LOU1). |
| Summer Extension | For contracts ending on March 31, 2027, hiring managers who wish to extend their current Work Study student for the Summer must submit a Summer Extension Form by March 19, 2027. Please note that no new hiring will take place for the Summer work term. Summer extension is not guaranteed, and it’s subject to quota availability. |
| Process Summary | Hire a Work Study |
| More questions? | For general inquiries about the program and the hiring process, please contact: Career Development Centre
For questions regarding funding for the Work Study program and student eligibility, please contact : Student Awards & Financial Assistance |
Important Dates and Deadlines | ||
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Work Study Timeline | Dates and Deadlines | Notes |
| Work Study Opens for Fall 2026 | August 4, 2026 | Employers can post Work Study Positions in Career Connection and begin the hiring process. |
| Last day to hire for Fall 2026 | September 18, 2026 | Employers must send the name and student number of the student being hired. |
| Last day to submit hiring paperwork for Fall 2026 | October 2, 2026 | All hiring paperwork must be completed and emailed to the Career Development Centre at careers@kpu.ca |
| Work Study hiring for Spring 2027 | November 6, 2026 | Hiring will only open if the quota has not been met for the Fall semester. |
| Last day to hire for Spring 2027 | January 29, 2027 | Employers must send the name and student number of the student being hired. |
| Last day to submit hiring paperwork for Spring 2027 | February 12, 2027 | All hiring paperwork must be completed and emailed to the Career Development Centre at careers@kpu.ca |
| Work Study extension for Summer 2027 | February 23, 2027 | Extension will only open if the quota has not been met for the Spring semester. No new hires will be made for the Summer semester. However, for contracts ending on March 31, 2027, hiring managers may extend their current Work Study student for the Summer semester. |
| Last day to submit extension for Summer 2027 | March 19, 2027 | The Summer Extension form must be completed and emailed to the Career Development Centre at careers@kpu.ca |