Co-operative Education

Co-operative Education (Co-op) combines academic studies with relevant paid work experience in a career-related field. Academic semesters alternate with work terms, giving you up to two years of valuable work experience. Work terms are 4, 8, or 12 months in duration. Co-op work term placements are not guaranteed but are awarded on a competitive basis. 

For more information about the Co-op program, including the admission requirements, see the Co-operative Education handouts below:‌

• Co-op - Student Information
• Co-op - International Student Information

Apply for Co-op before the last Monday of the month in September, January, and May. You may apply at any time, but applications are only reviewed following the deadline. 

Co-op virtual information sessions

WINTER 2025 VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION DATES:
Mid-January | specific times TBA

How to register for a Co-op virtual information session

1. Log in to your CareerLink account using your UFV student email and network password
2. Under Upcoming Events select Workshops
3. Select the online information session date that you wish to attend and click on RSVP (all information sessions contain the same information)
4. A confirmation of your RSVP will be sent to your UFV student email

In the meantime, you can view a recorded Co-op information session.

Important Co-op dates

How to apply

Login to your CareerLink account:

1. Apply to Co-op
   
   • Click on your initials at the top right and select Apply to Co-op
   • Complete the form and submit your application
2. Upload your resume 
   • Click on your initials at the top right and upload your resume to My Documents
3. Upload your Unofficial Transcript 
   • Click on your initials at the top right and upload your unofficial transcript
     • Log into your MyUFV account
     • Under Student Record Requests, select Your Academic Transcript
       • Transcript level: Credit
       • Transcript type: Electronic Academic Record
     • Once loaded, press Ctrl+P and save as PDF
     • Upload in the documents section of your CareerLink account

All three steps must be completed to be considered for Co-op!

If you have any questions about your Co-op application or program, please email coop@ufv.ca.

Apply now in CareerLink

Application process

Accepted Co-op students will automatically be registered for the mandatory Co-op and Career Education course (there is no course fee). There are two live sessions, dates TBD. After completing the course requirements, you must attend an Advisory Meeting with your Co-op Coordinator. For complete program details, see the Co-op - Student Handbook.

International Students must complete all program requirements before a Co-op Work Permit letter will be issued to you. After receiving your letter, you can apply for your co-op work permit.

International students - Canadian Co-op work permit

Co-op work permit eligibility

• You have a valid study permit
• Work is required to complete your study program in Canada
• You have a letter from your school that confirms all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree, and
• Your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program

Processing times to receive your Co-op work permit vary so you should apply to the Co-op program as soon as you are eligible. To view estimated processing times, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure both your study permit and Co-op work permits are valid for the entire length of your work term.

Before accepting a Co-op job

Before accepting a Co-op job, you must have applied for and received your Canadian Co-op work permit from IRCC. You must also have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). For information on how to apply for a SIN, visit UFV International website.

FAQ

For a list of frequently asked questions about Co-op, please visit the FAQ Page.

If you would like more information about Co-op, visit the academic calendar.