Co-op Programs
Earn while you learn with Canada's work-integrated education programs
Co-operative education (co-op) programs are a hallmark of Canadian education, alternating between academic study terms and paid work terms at Canadian companies. Co-op students gain real Canadian work experience, earn CAD 3,000-6,000/month during work terms, build professional networks, and graduate with a competitive advantage in the job market. Co-op experience also counts toward your Canadian work experience for Express Entry, making it valuable for PR. The University of Waterloo pioneered co-op education and remains the gold standard, but colleges like Conestoga, Seneca, and Sheridan also offer excellent co-op programs.
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Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our Co-op Programs program.
University of Waterloo
QS #112Waterloo, ON
Canada's #1 co-op program. 7,100+ employer partners. 6 co-op work terms during a degree. CS co-op students often work at Google, Meta, and Amazon.
University of Victoria
QS #322Victoria, BC
One of Canada's largest co-op programs. Strong in engineering, CS, and business co-op.
Simon Fraser University
QS #318Burnaby, BC
Extensive co-op program with 3,500+ employer partners in Vancouver area.
Conestoga College
Top CollegeKitchener, ON
Mandatory co-op in many programs. Strong connections with Kitchener-Waterloo tech corridor employers.
Sheridan College
Top CollegeOakville/Brampton, ON
Strong co-op programs in IT, business, and the arts. Known as Canada's animation college.
George Brown College
Top CollegeToronto, ON
Downtown Toronto location means access to the largest job market. Co-op in hospitality, business, IT, and health.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Admission to a co-op program at a DLI (co-op must be a mandatory component of the program)
- Academic requirements vary by institution (same as non-co-op programs)
- IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (same as program requirements)
- Co-op work permit is automatically included when you apply for your study permit for a co-op program
- Must maintain good academic standing to continue in co-op placements
- Strong resume and interview skills (co-op placements are competitive)
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Choose a Co-op Program
We identify programs where co-op is mandatory (not optional). Mandatory co-op ensures you are guaranteed work term opportunities. We look at employer partner lists, placement rates, and salary ranges for different programs.
Apply for Admission
Co-op programs often have higher admission requirements than non-co-op versions. We ensure your application highlights qualities valued in co-op candidates: teamwork, communication, technical skills, and enthusiasm for professional development.
Study Permit with Co-op Work Permit
When applying for your study permit, we indicate that your program includes co-op. You receive a co-op work permit alongside your study permit, authorizing work that is integral to your program. This is separate from your 20-hour/week off-campus work rights.
Co-op Preparation & Job Search
Your institution's co-op office helps you prepare resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. Job postings are available through the co-op portal. We provide additional resume and interview preparation tailored to the Canadian job market.
Complete Work Terms
During each work term (typically 4 months), you work full-time at a Canadian company, earn a salary, and gain valuable professional experience. Co-op students at Waterloo typically complete 6 work terms over their degree.
Leverage Co-op for Career & PR
Co-op experience counts as Canadian work experience for Express Entry. Many co-op employers offer full-time jobs to returning co-op students after graduation. This work experience, combined with your PGWP, creates a strong PR application.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
Co-op programs cost the same or slightly more (CAD 500-2,000/year more for co-op fee). The additional cost is offset many times over by co-op earnings. A typical college co-op student earns CAD 12,000-20,000/year during work terms; university co-op students in tech earn CAD 20,000-40,000/year.
During study terms, living costs are standard. During co-op work terms, your salary covers living expenses and you may save money. Many co-op employers also provide relocation assistance or housing subsidies. Net living cost over the full program is significantly reduced by co-op earnings.
Co-op programs are eligible for the same scholarships as non-co-op programs. Additionally, some co-op employers offer scholarships or bursaries to returning co-op students. The University of Waterloo's co-op students typically graduate with little to no debt due to cumulative co-op earnings.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
Co-op students experience a unique rhythm: alternating between study terms (classes, assignments, exams) and work terms (full-time employment at Canadian companies). This constant switching builds adaptability, time management, and professional maturity. By graduation, co-op students have 1-2 years of Canadian work experience that non-co-op students lack.
During work terms, you live like a working professional — commuting to an office, collaborating with teams, attending meetings, and delivering projects. This exposure to Canadian workplace culture is invaluable for your career and for adapting to life in Canada.
Co-op students often build strong relationships with their co-op employers. Many receive return offers for subsequent work terms or full-time offers after graduation. This employer sponsorship can also help with PR applications. The networking aspect of co-op is one of its greatest long-term benefits.
Co-op Programs — Frequently Asked Questions
Is a co-op placement guaranteed?
How much can I earn during co-op?
Does co-op experience count for PR?
Can I choose where I do my co-op?
What is the difference between co-op and an internship?
Ready to Co-op Programs?
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