Computer Science
Computer Science Co-op is optional for students. This program is housed within the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op Program.
Office & contacts
Our regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office: ECS 204
engrcoop@uvic.ca
250-472-5800
Co-op coordinator for undergraduate students (student # ending in 0-4)
Sheryl Thompson (ECS 216)
sthompson@uvic.ca
Co-op coordinator for undergraduate students (student # ending in 5-9)
Mostafa Rahimpour (ECS 212)
mrahim@uvic.ca
Co-op coordinator for graduate students
Wendy Beairsto (ECS 225)
wbeairsto@uvic.ca
Career educator
Karae White (ECS 210)
karaewhite@uvic.ca
Undergraduate students
Co-op is available to students majoring in computer science and students with combined majors in computer science. The program is optional and interested students must apply.
Undergraduate formats available:
- regular full-time co-op work terms
- entrepreneurial co-op
- parallel co-op (part-time)
Program facts:
- application required (not automatically enrolled)
- you must complete Introduction to Professional Practice before your first work term
- must complete 4 work terms to get co-op designation on parchment
- must complete 2 work terms to get work experience designation on transcript
What is required?
Undergraduate co-op requirements:
- completed CSC 110, MATH 100 (or MATH 109)
- at least 4.5 units on your last academic term
- a minimum grade of C+ in any computer science courses and a minimum grade of C in any mathematics or statistics courses taken in your last academic term
- no F, E or N in courses taken on your last academic term
Undergraduate work experience program requirements:
- completed or enrolled in at least 3.0 credits of 300- or 400-level CSC or SENG courses
Transfer students must complete at least one academic term at UVic.
How to join
There are two admission periods per year:
- September 1 to 22 (fall intake)
- January 1 to 22 (spring intake)
Apply for the regular Co-op Program or work experience program by logging into the co-op portal.
- use your UVic NetLink ID and password
- once logged in, select “Co-op” on the navigation menu
- follow the prompts to complete your application
Note: You will be unable to apply using the above method if:
- you've previously been or are currently in another co-op program at UVic
- you're NOT in the Faculty of Engineering
- you're trying to apply outside of the admission periods
If you are unable to apply through the portal, please contact us.
If admitted to the program, you'll need to sign a copy of the Terms & Conditions at the start of your program.
Fees
Co-op students pay a co-op tuition fee for each work term. It's free to join co-op and attend the preparation course—you'll pay your tuition fee after you secure a co-op work term.
You'll pay your fees according to the same tuition fee deadlines as regular course fees.
Fees per work term for undergraduate students:
- domestic students: $776.20
- international students: $1,510.16
Fees per work term for graduate students:
- domestic students: $776.20
- international students: $976.27
Note that the graduate co-op tuition fee is different than the graduate installment fee. If you are a grad student and register for a co-op work term, during that term, you'll pay:
- the grad co-op program fee
- the grad ancillary fees
If you register for a course (e.g. thesis 596 or 598) and a co-op work term in the same term, during that term, you'll pay:
- the grad co-op program tuition fee
- the course tuition fee
- the grad ancillary fees
Questions about co-op tuition fees? Email us or call 250-721-7032 for assistance.
Average salaries
You'll receive a salary from your employer during each co-op work term. Co-op salaries vary according to many factors, including:
- your previous work experience
- the industry you're working in
- the responsibilities of your co-op job
Here is an average monthly salary for a full-time computer science work term:
- undergraduate: $3,437.78
- graduate: $4,747.09
Work terms
Co-op work terms occur in the fall, spring or summer terms and are typically 4 months long, but can also be 8 or 12 months long.
- undergraduate co-op: 4 work terms
- undergraduate work experience: 2 work terms
The work experience program provides all the same benefits and support as the co-op program, but you'll complete 2 work terms instead of 4. The program is a great option for students who are in the late stages of their degree.
If you are already part of the computer science co-op program and you would like access to search for co-op jobs, please complete our co-op jobs access form.
Learn more about:
Sample jobs
- software developer
- security analyst
- systems administrator
- systems auditor
- data administration
- technical writer
- operations manager
- web technician
- strategic analyst
- researcher
- networks architect or engineer
- intelligence developer
- systems designer
- web developer
- programmer
Graduate students
As a graduate student, you can take part in the optional co-op or work experience program.
Program facts
- master's students: complete 2 work terms (8 months of work) to receive a co-op designation, or 1 work term to receive a "work experience" endorsement on your degree
- doctoral students: complete 3 work terms (12 months of work) to receive a co-op designation, or 1 work term to receive a "work experience" endorsement on your degree
- work terms do not have to be continuous—you can work for different employers on different work terms
Application requirements
- you must have your grad supervisor's permission to participate in the co-op program and each specific work term
- you must complete your first co-op work term before the academic term in which you complete your academic requirements (defend your thesis or equivalent)
- you must complete regular work term requirements (including Introduction to Professional Practice, competency assessments and a work term report)
How to apply
To apply, complete and submit the graduate co-op application form.
Due dates each term
- January 22 for spring intake
- September 21 for fall intake
International students should apply at least 2 semesters before the intended work term to ensure that there is enough time to receive a co-op work permit. For example:
- summer work term: submit your intake form and attend the Introduction to Professional Practice workshop in the fall of the previous year
- fall work term: submit your intake form and attend the spring intake workshop in the same year
Get support
We're here to support you with every step in your co-op journey, from applying to co-op to making sure you're supported at work. Contact your co-op coordinator or office for assistance.
If you identify as having a disability or a mental health condition, if you belong to an equity group, or if you identify as Indigenous, we have additional supports for your co-op experience.
Co-op Student of the Year
Are you an excellent ambassador for the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op and Career Program and the Faculty of Engineering? If you’ve contributed to your co-op employer, UVic, ENGR Co-op and Career and the community, you could be the next co-op student of the year.
Winners receive:
- $500
- a framed certificate
- recognition on the co-op website
As a winning student, you may get to represent UVic provincially for the Association for Co-operative Education in BC/Yukon award and nationally for the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) award.
The runner-up receives $250.
This award is by nomination only by your co-op coordinator.