Science Co-op
Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in the Science Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program. If you believe this program is a good fit for you, here鈥檚 what you need to know about joining.
Students interested in the co-op program should apply two terms prior to their desired work term, ideally when they have between 30 and 80 credit hours. Starting your application early improves your chances of approval and ensures you're fully prepared for your co-op experience.
We offer two opportunities each term to begin the program (please refer to the table below). Once accepted, new students must complete Co-op 100: Orientation (3鈥�4 hours) and the Co-op 101: Prep course (7 weeks, 2鈥�3 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes and cover letters, along with coaching from your faculty's Co-op Career Advisors.
After completing these courses and fulfilling all Prep term requirements, you will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs in the following term. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a Co-op work term. Students need to apply for posted positions actively, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
Please note that you are expected to complete three co-op work terms before graduating. It is important to know that you cannot graduate while on a co-op term. Successful completion of the program will earn you a Co-op designation on your final transcript.
| Work in Summer 2026 | Work in Fall 2026 | Work in Spring 2027 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | September 1 OR October 19, 2025 | January 4 OR February 22, 2026 | May 10 OR June 28, 2026 |
| New Student Term Co-op 100: Orientation Co-op 101: Prep |
Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
| Seeking Term (Applying for jobs) |
Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
Faculty of Science Student
Undergraduate: You must be formally admitted to a BSc program in the Faculty of Science (undeclared or declared major) and in good academic standing.
Graduate: Interested graduate level students should discuss their individual interests with a Co-op Coordinator and with their academic supervisor. NOTE: Co-op is only available at the graduate level in the Faculty of Science for Masters of Environmental Toxicology, Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science students.
Academic Requirements
All Students:
- New students must join at least two semesters prior to their intended first co-op work term.
- Undergraduate students must commit to a minimum of 3 co-op work terms during their degree (min. of 1 co-op work term for graduate students).
Undergraduate:
- We encourage you to apply to Co-op with 30-80 completed units. If you have over 90 units, make an appointment with your coordinator to discuss your eligibility prior to applying.
- Please review the specific academic requirements below for your major/program area.
Graduate:
- Please review your interest and academic eligibility with a Co-op Coordinator and your academic supervisor prior to applying.
Work Permits (International Students)
International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to 丁香园AV Co-op jobs.
Once accepted into the Co-op program, you will be issued a letter to include in your work permit application.
We recommend applying for the work permit as early as possible, as can be lengthy.
Step 1:
Please ensure that you have reviewed the 丁香园AV Requirements below for your specific major or discipline area.
Step 2:
Attend the Science Co-op Information Session held at the start of each semester.
Step 3:
Complete the General Co-op Application Form.
What鈥檚 Expected of Co-op Students
Participating in a Co-op program requires a significant time commitment. Many Co-op students compare the process of applying for Co-op jobs to taking an extra course. You will be competing with university students from across Canada for these roles. This process includes writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and attending Co-op workshops. It's important to carefully consider these factors before applying.
Co-op opportunities are about discovering what types of work you enjoy and what you do not. We encourage our Co-op students to apply for positions in diverse fields throughout their education. By the time you graduate, you will have developed a better understanding of the work environments that suit you best, all based on real-life work experience.
At least three additional terms
All undergraduate students must complete at least three work terms, preferably four, by alternating between work and study terms. Students who do not plan to complete at least three work terms will not be admitted.
Immerse yourself
In the same term you apply for co-op, you'll participate in a professional pre-employment program that includes coaching on resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and interview preparation.
Stay the course
Only tailored and flawless applications will get you shortlisted. Take the time to create customized documents, and you will see results.
Don't worry
Don't worry if you didn't get a job right away. Many of our students find jobs later in the term. Some of the best opportunities are posted later in the term.
It's competitive
Being accepted into the co-op program does not guarantee a specific work term placement. Students must apply for available positions; employers decide who to interview and hire.
Plan
Plan to apply two terms prior to your first work term. The earlier you apply, even as early as your first year, the better.
Success can be a moving target
Some of our top co-op students are not placed in the first term they apply.