How co-op works
As a co-op student, you'll alternate your terms in class with paid work terms with employers in your field of study. You'll graduate with relevant work experience, amazing contacts, and strong competencies - you'll be ready to pursue your dream career!
Co-op works a bit differently from program to program, but the main elements are similar. This information provides a general overview to help you get started.
For specific details about your co-op program, including admission requirements and the number of work terms you'll need to complete, please see co-op information by program.
Application requirements and how to apply
All co-op students must read, sign, and abide by the Co-op Terms and Conditions of Participation (NOTE: this PDF is provided as a reference only - completed forms must be submitted through the Learning in Motion portal).
In general, students are required to achieve an above-average academic standing and demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career. Students begin co-op at different stages of their degree; this is dependent on your program of study.
The application process for co-op depends on your academic program. Some co-op programs are optional and some are mandatory (no application required).
What happens once you join (including competency assessments)
Here's what's involved in taking part in co-op:
1) Join the co-op program
If your co-op program is optional, you can apply starting in your second year (undergraduate). See co-op information by program to learn about application requirements for your academic area.
2) Once you’ve been accepted into a co-op program
- Sign and submit the Terms and Conditions form (NOTE: this PDF is provided as a reference only - completed forms must be submitted through the Learning in Motion portal).
- Participate in the Introduction to Professional Practice course
- Discuss your job search goals with your co-op coordinator
- Apply for co-op jobs posted on Learning In Motion
- Attend interviews for any positions you are shortlisted for
- Receive a formal job offer through your co-op office (if you are the successful candidate)
3) During each co-op work term
- Complete three competency assessments (at the beginning, middle and end of your work term)
- Participate in a work site visit with your co-op coordinator and work supervisor
- Complete a work term submission at the end of your work term
WANT MORE? Learn more about co-op work term requirements
4) After completing all required co-op work terms
Once you've successfully completed all work terms, you’ll earn a Co-op designation on your degree*. Completion criteria vary slightly by program.
*Students in the Work Experience Program complete fewer work terms and do not receive this designation.
How co-op affects your academic schedule
Co-op programs usually increase the length of your degree by about a year—but you'll be using this year to gain work experience that will put you ahead.
Typically, co-op work terms are typically four months long, and you’ll complete three or four work terms during your degree (varies by program). Work terms generally begin in January, May and September just like academic terms, although other options may be possible.
Sample co-op student schedule
A typical undergraduate co-op schedule with four co-op work terms might look like this. This is just a sample—you can talk to your co-op office about a schedule that will work for you.
| Year of study |
Fall term (Sept–Dec) |
Spring term (Jan–Apr) |
Summer term (May–Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study term 1 | Study term 2 | Free term |
| 2 | Study term 3 | Study term 4 | Co-op term 1 |
| 3 | Study term 5 | Co-op term 2 | Study term 6 |
| 4 | Co-op term 3 | Study term 7 | Co-op term 4 |
| 5 | Study term 8 | Graduation |
This schedule reflects the traditional co-op format. See the next section for other formats.
Co-op formats offered
Earning academic credit and the Co-op designation
As an undergraduate student, you’ll receive 4.5 units of credit for each co-op work term you complete. These credits do not replace the credits required to complete your academic program. Instead, they contribute towards the Co-op designation you’ll receive on your degree when you graduate.
Students in the work experience program do not receive the Co-op designation upon graduation. Instead, you will receive a note on your transcript for each work term completed.
During your work terms, you'll also be considered a full-time student and have access to student services, like the UVic bus pass and health care coverage.
Do you pay for a U-Pass during work terms?
While on a co-op term, you will not automatically pay into a U-Pass as you do while taking classes on campus. The purpose of this is to ensure that you are not automatically paying for a U-Pass if your co-op placement is located outside of the Victoria area.
In order to have a U-Pass while on a co-op term, you'll need to purchase one through the UVSS (undergraduate students) or GSS (graduate students).