I don't know where you get that information but it's incorrect in general.I was told that I could work for 1 year and study for 3 years
If you finished a degree or a "recongized" dipolma, you can apply for PGWP and that will allow you to work some time after you graduated.
But that's after you finished your study. During your study, you can only work part time. (may be that's how they calculate the 1 year out of 3 years time during your study... no idea but that's NOT the way to look at it)