Canada's top graduate jobs in 2026 span healthcare, engineering, technology, and finance, with median salaries ranging from CAD $80,000 for financial analysts to over CAD $230,000 for doctors. International graduates can access these roles through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after completing a programme at a designated learning institution. All seven professions listed below are regulated in Canada, meaning you will need provincial licensing before you can practise.
International students are often keen to work in Canada after graduating. After experiencing the country's top-class education system and high quality of life, it makes sense that they would want to move on to its abundant career opportunities. These are something that you might want to think about before you even begin studying in the country, as your choice of course determines whether you qualify for a post-graduation work permit. To help, we've taken a look at the best graduate jobs for international students in Canada, and how you could get them.
Table of contents:
- The Canadian job market for graduates
- What are the best jobs for graduates in Canada?
- How to get a work permit in Canada
- Can I work and study in Canada?
- Top universities for graduate employment in Canada
The Canadian job market for graduates
As a starting point, it's useful to look at the general landscape of employment in Canada. With the country projected to need over one million new skilled workers by 2030, the long-term outlook for international graduates is strong. Here are some of the key statistics for 2025/2026:
- Average weekly earnings - CAD $1,307.86 [Statistics Canada, July 2025]
- Minimum wage - varies by province, from CAD $15.00 per hour to CAD $19.00 per hour
- Wage growth - 3.7 per cent year-on-year [Statistics Canada, June 2026]
- Average retirement age - 65.4 [Statistics Canada, 2025]
- Employment rate (core working-age 25–54) - 83.6 per cent [Statistics Canada, June 2026]
Some of the sectors of the economy which employ the highest number of people include:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Information technology
- Education
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering
It is worth remembering that wages and job opportunities will vary across different areas of the economy and country. For example, there is quite a big difference between the opportunities in British Columbia and Canada's northernmost territory, Nunavut. Additionally, if you are considering working in Quebec, be aware that functional French is required for most roles under the province's language laws.
Want to learn about some of the major companies that could help kickstart your career in the country? Read our guide to the top employers in Canada.
What are the best jobs for graduates in Canada?
The best graduate jobs in Canada in 2026 are in healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance, with median salaries ranging from CAD $80,000 to over CAD $230,000 per year. For the best chance of finding employment in Canada after graduation, there are certain disciplines and roles that you should definitely investigate. The following are some prime examples among the many high-paying jobs in Canada.
1. Doctor
Median salary: CAD $232,227 per year [Job Bank Canada, NOC 31100] | Salary range: CAD $90,826 - $435,240 per year
While doctor tops the list of the highest-paying jobs for graduates in Canada, the pathway for internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs) is highly competitive. It reliably offers secure employment and high pay, but requires significant dedication.
Credential & Licensing: Highly regulated. IMGs must pass Medical Council of Canada exams and match into a residency programme via CaRMS. The IMG match rate is typically 30-40%, compared to 93% for Canadian graduates, meaning the process can take several years.
Key skills: Clinical diagnosis, patient communication, electronic medical records (EMR), evidence-based medicine.
Top employers: Ontario Health, Alberta Health Services, Vancouver Coastal Health, CIUSSS (Quebec).
2. Nurse
Median salary: CAD $90,000 per year (CAD $43.27/hour) [Job Bank Canada, NOC 31301] | Salary range: CAD $30.00 - $54.37 per hour
Another profession in the healthcare sector that is in-demand in Canada is nursing. Registered nurses are a vital part of the country's huge health workforce, meaning that a nursing qualification offers very good graduate prospects.
Credential & Licensing: Regulated. You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and register with the provincial nursing college.
Key skills: Patient assessment, medication administration, electronic health records (EHR), critical thinking.
Top employers: Provincial health authorities, Interior Health (BC), Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
3. Dentist
Median salary: CAD $110,000 per year [Job Bank Canada, NOC 31110]
This healthcare specialism is always much-needed everywhere, and is one of the top graduate jobs in Canada. Dentistry offers strong job security and satisfaction, with good pay going hand-in-hand with the knowledge that you are making a big difference to people's lives.
Credential & Licensing: Regulated. International graduates must pass the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) exams and register with a provincial dental regulatory authority.
Key skills: Dental examination and diagnosis, restorative procedures, patient communication, infection control.
Top employers: Dentalcorp, Altima Dental, 123Dentist, private practices.
4. Engineer
Median salary: CAD $101,000 per year (CAD $48.56/hour) [Job Bank Canada, NOC 21300 - Civil Engineer] | Salary range: CAD $32.00 - $72.12 per hour
As a country with a vast amount of natural resources, a commitment to renewable energy, and a booming infrastructure sector, Canada needs and values engineers. The ability to innovate elegant solutions to complex problems brings clear rewards, including high salaries.
Credential & Licensing: Regulated. To use the title 'Professional Engineer' (P.Eng), you must be licensed by a provincial body after completing required work experience.
Key skills: AutoCAD/Civil 3D, structural analysis, project management (PMP), environmental assessment.
Top employers: SNC-Lavalin (AtkinsRéalis), WSP Global, Stantec, PCL Construction.
5. Pharmacist
Median salary: CAD $115,000 per year (CAD $55.49/hour) [Job Bank Canada, NOC 31120] | Salary range: CAD $40.00 - $67.00 per hour
Canada's investment in pharmaceutical science has increased over the last few years. As such, studying pharmacy is a good option if you aim to stay in the country for work. Graduate employment is especially high, and pay is healthy.
Credential & Licensing: Regulated. You must pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams and register with a provincial college of pharmacists.
Key skills: Drug therapy management, patient counselling, dispensary software, clinical pharmacy.
Top employers: Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Walmart Canada, hospital pharmacies.
6. Software Engineer
Median salary: CAD $105,000 per year (CAD $50.48/hour) [Job Bank Canada, NOC 21231] | Salary range: CAD $31.25 - $76.92 per hour
Driven by digital transformation and a booming tech sector in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Waterloo, software engineering is one of the most sought-after and highest-paying graduate jobs in Canada.
Credential & Licensing: Unregulated in most provinces for general software development, though using the formal title 'Engineer' may require P.Eng registration depending on the province.
Key skills: Python/Java/JavaScript, cloud computing (AWS/Azure), Agile/Scrum, system design.
Top employers: Shopify, Amazon Canada, Google Canada, RBC, CGI Group.
7. Financial Analyst
Median salary: CAD $80,000 per year (CAD $38.46/hour) [Job Bank Canada, NOC 11101] | Salary range: CAD $24.04 - $64.10 per hour
With Toronto serving as North America's second-largest financial hub, financial analysts are in high demand across banking, insurance, and corporate finance sectors.
Credential & Licensing: Unregulated, though obtaining a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is highly recommended for career advancement.
Key skills: Financial modelling, Bloomberg Terminal, data analysis, regulatory compliance.
Top employers: RBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank, Deloitte Canada, CPP Investments.
All seven of these professions are classified as TEER 1 under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This means that after gaining one year of skilled work experience in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class.
For more ideas about the careers you could pursue in the country, read our guide to the most in-demand jobs in Canada.
How to get a work permit in Canada
The most important requirement for obtaining a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada is that you have studied an eligible course at an eligible institution. Most degree courses at most DLIs fit this description, but there are exceptions. If you are looking at courses now, it may be a good idea to check whether they qualify.
Typically, you also need to meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Your course lasted at least eight months
- You studied your course full-time
- You completed the majority of your course in Canada (not by distance learning)
- You apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that you have completed your programme
- Language requirement (New for Nov 2024): You must prove English or French proficiency. University graduates need CLB 7, while college graduates need CLB 5.
- Field of study requirement (New for Nov 2024): If you graduate from a college programme, your field of study must be linked to a long-term shortage occupation. University degree holders (bachelor's, master's, PhD) are exempt. The eligible fields of study list is frozen for 2026.
For master's degrees, the following rules apply:
- If your course was less than eight months in length, you are ineligible for a PGWP.
- If your course was at least eight months in length, you may be eligible for a three-year PGWP.
For all other courses, these rules apply:
- If your course was less than eight months in length, you are ineligible for a PGWP.
- If your course was more than eight months but less than two years in length, you may be eligible for a PGWP of equivalent length.
- If your course was at least two years in length, you may be eligible for a three-year PGWP.
- If you have completed more than one course of at least eight months in length, you may be eligible for a PGWP of equivalent length to their combined length.
Once you receive your PGWP, you will need to apply for or update your Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada before you can start work.
For a more in-depth look at how to get a work permit in Canada, take a look at our guide to the PGWP.
Can I work and study in Canada?
The short answer to this question is yes, but with very clear requirements. If you are enrolled at a university or other designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada you are allowed to work off-campus as an international student without a work permit. This is providing that your programme of study is longer than six months, and will lead to the award of a recognised qualification.
Very importantly, you can only work 20 hours per week off campus during term time. However, you can work full-time on campus and during holidays, as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student before and after the holiday period. Additionally, as of April 2026, international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory work placements, these are now covered under your study permit.
After registering as a student in Canada, you will also need to get a social insurance number (SIN) in order to work. This requires you to complete a separate application process.
Find out more about applying for a Canadian student visa.
Top universities for graduate employment in Canada
When evaluating universities, you are likely to consider the employment prospects they offer graduates. While these can vary according to many factors, including the course you study, they are something that is measured. According to the Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking 2026, the top universities for graduate employability in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
- University of Victoria
- University of Waterloo
- Université du Québec
Planning to study abroad requires a lot of research, and it is always worth extending that to your post-graduation job prospects. Even if you are not yet sure of your plans, taking a look at what is on offer and how things work now can be extremely helpful in the long run. For more information about careers in Canada, read our guides to the Canadian job market and high-paying jobs in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the highest paying graduate jobs in Canada?
A: Medical doctors and specialists are the highest-paying graduate jobs in Canada, with median salaries exceeding CAD $230,000 per year. Other high-paying roles include pharmacists (CAD $115,000), dentists (CAD $110,000), and software engineers (CAD $105,000).
Q2: Can international students work as doctors in Canada?
A: Yes, but the pathway is highly competitive. Internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs) must pass Medical Council of Canada exams and secure a residency spot through CaRMS, where the match rate for IMGs is typically 30-40%.
Q3: Do I need my qualifications recognised to work in Canada?
A: Yes, if you are entering a regulated profession such as nursing, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. You must apply to the relevant provincial regulatory body to have your credentials assessed and obtain a licence to practise.
Q4: What NOC code do I need for Express Entry in Canada?
A: To qualify for the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class, your work experience must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. All seven graduate jobs listed in this article are TEER 1.
Q5: Which Canadian university has the best graduate employment rate?
A: According to the THE Global Employability University Ranking 2026, the University of Toronto ranks 1st in Canada and 12th globally for graduate employability, followed by McGill University and the University of British Columbia.
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