Co-op Programs in Canada

What exactly is a Co-op Program?

Co-op or co-operative education is one of the best program systems in Canada, where there is always a win-win situation for a student. Along with pursuing your studies, you get real-world experience.

 

A co-op program is a three-way partnership between a university, employer, and student. It is like a paid internship where students earn handsomely $12-$15 per hour, and with the help of this amount, they can easily pay for their monthly housing and grocery bills.

 

This type of program also helps you know what kind of job you are looking for once you graduate. Co-op programs follow an alternating pattern, meaning one semester or term of schooling alternates with one semester or term of work.

 

Let's make it more clear by understanding an example: Under the co-op program, you will alternate between five months of school and five months as a full-time employee of the organization you work for.

 

In Canada, almost all universities offer a co-op option with their academic programs. Even your campuses have co-op teachers who are helpful and friendly as they encourage students to work and coordinate with employers to offer placements to students.

 

Eligibility Criteria

As an international student, you need the following eligibility criteria list for a Co-op work permit:

 

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  You must have a valid study permit.
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  You are enrolled in a program that requires work to receive the degree.
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  You have a letter from your DLI (Designated Learning Institute) confirming that students from this co-op course in Canada must complete work placements to get the degree.
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  Work terms cover a maximum of 50% or less of the entire course.

 

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Why should you apply for Co-Op Courses in Canada?

Co-op is one of the best methods to integrate your class knowledge with practical work experience. Apart from practical learning, it also builds your communication skills, networking skills, and connections. This way not only do you build your relations with your employer but you also get multiple chances to attend networking and job events. While applying for different jobs you get in-depth knowledge of the industry, resume, and cover letter building skills that make you stand out from the rest of normal graduate students.

Merits Vs Demerits

Top universities for Co-op Programs in Canada

1. University of Waterloo:

The University of Waterloo helps Co-op students alternate studies and work, so they can easily manage both things.

Students graduate with at least two years of work experience.

• Popular Courses: Biology and Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Economics and Business, Energy and Fuels, Environment/Ecology, Computer Science

Read more about: Vocational Courses in Canada for International Students

2. University of Ottawa:

The University of Ottawa offers four-year undergraduate programs for the Co-op option. For undergraduates, in most cases, your first work term takes place during the summer after your second year.

• Popular courses: Arts and Humanities, Biology and Biochemistry, Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems, Cell Biology, Chemical Engineering.

3. University of Victoria:

Co-op programs at the University of Victoria help you choose various career options and build your work profile. According to the university, half of the students take part in Co-op education and graduate with a good amount of work experience in their respective fields.

• Popular Courses: Atmospheric Science, Business Administration, Computer Science and Engineering, Earth Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Geography.

4. Centennial College:

Centennial College is one of the preferred colleges for Co-op programs because they provide a holistic learning environment with full support in placements. Their programs mostly are according to market demand.

• Popular Courses: Business, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Marketing, International Business, Accounting, Biotechnology, Hotel Management.

5. University of British Columbia:

University of British Columbia (UBC) co-op program offers various opportunities for students to collaborate with different communities and job networking sites.

These kinds of communities help students in developing communication as well as networking skills.

• Popular Courses: Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Biology, Physics Mathematics.

Students are often confused about the major differences between Co-op programs and internships. Well, we understand you guys. We prepared this table for you all.

Co-op Program VS Internship

A Co-op program will prepare students for their specialization by giving them hands-on experience in that field. Additionally, this form of education helps international students with future career options.

Read Also:

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• Top Universities in Canada
• Canadian Universities’ Application Deadlines
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