Computer Science

Computer Science Co-op is optional for students. This program is housed within the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op Program.

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

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.

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