Co-op Costs and Deadlines

Application Fee and Practicum Tuition

Your fees provide structured career education, personalized support, and access to paid work experiences connected to your studies.

Co‑op Application Fee

A one-time application fee is charged when you join the SFU Co-operative Education program.

  • Mandatory co-op programs: You are automatically enrolled, and the fee is charged to your Student Account in your first term.

  • Optional co-op programs: The fee is charged when you apply to Co-op and appears in your Student Account once your application is processed (within 10 business days).

Co‑op Practicum Tuition

You pay Co-op Practicum Tuition only when you secure a work term. This tuition is charged each term you work in a Co-op position.

Fee Type Description Domestic Students
International Students
Application Fee Paid once when applying for Co-op $155.44 $454.24
Practicum Tuition Paid per work term $913.80 $913.80

For more information about Co-op Practicum Tuition, refer to the sections for Undergraduate Students or Graduate Students. Below, learn about the full value your fees provide through the program.

Not sure if co-op is right for you?

Contact your co-op program or speak with a co-op advisor.

Mandatory co-op programs

Students in the programs listed below are automatically enrolled in co-op; no application is required:

  • Engineering Science
  • Mechatronic Systems Engineering
  • Sustainable Energy Engineering
  • Master's in Professional Computer Science
  • Master of Engineering in Smart Manufacturing and Systems

What you get for your Co-op application fee

Your application fee gives you access to services before, during, and after your work terms.

  • Access to the myExperience Co-op Job Portal:
    • Exclusive access to myExperience, SFU’s Co-op and career job portal.
    • Access 2,700+ job postings from vetted Co-op employers across industries, including:
      • Non-profit organizations
      • Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
      • Private sector businesses
      • Education and research organizations
    • Employers actively post roles specifically designed for Co-op students.
  • Career Education & Skill Development (Co-op Career Advisors):
    • Dedicated Co-op Career Advisors who specialize in teaching students how to:
      • Write strong, targeted resumes
      • Develop effective cover letters
      • Prepare for and succeed in interviews
    • Support is available via workshops, group sessions, and one-on-one advising.
    • Advisors share employer insights and job market knowledge to strengthen your applications and interview skills.

What You Get for Your Co‑op Practicum Tuition

  1. Individualized Support and Guidance:
    • Receive ongoing support from Co‑op Coordinators during the job search and while on the job.
    • Coordinators help you:
      • Navigate workplace challenges
      • Clarify work term expectations and learning goals
      • Address concerns or request accommodations
    • Coordinators work with partners across campus, like the Centre for Accessible Learning, Indigenous Student Centre, Black Student Centre, Health & Counselling, and Academic Advising.
  2. Site Visits and Work Term Check‑ins
    • Participate in mid‑term check‑ins or site visits to:
      • Review your progress and learning outcomes
      • Discuss successes and challenges
      • Get guidance during your first (or subsequent) professional work experiences
  3. Workshops and Specialized Sessions:
    • Attend regular workshops on resumes, cover letters, interviews, and workplace success.
    • Join special events such as:
      • Employer panels and networking sessions
      • Industry‑specific recruitment events
      • Advanced job search workshops
  4. Mock Interviews:
    • Complete mock interviews with advisors or coordinators.
    • Tailor practice to specific roles, industries, or employers.
    • Receive feedback to build confidence and improve performance over multiple interviews.
  5. Employer Engagement and Job Development
    • Co-op staff build relationships with employers in Canada and abroad.
    • Co-op staff work to expand high‑quality, meaningful work opportunities for students across disciplines.
  6. Preparation for Working Abroad
    • Get support from an International Co‑op Coordinator when planning to work outside Canada.
    • Receive guidance on workplace expectations, cultural adjustment, and logistics.
    • Stay connected through check‑ins while abroad and receive debriefing support when you return to SFU.

Application deadlines (optional co-op programs only)

Students interested in optional co-op programs may apply at any time throughout the year. Once submitted, each application is assigned to the next open 7-week preparation cohort, which begins as soon as a new group is available after your application date.

Apply at least two terms before your first work term to allow time for preparation and the application process.

After applying, you will access the Co-op Orientation course and join the 7-week Prep course at the start of your cohort. This prepares you for applications and interviews.

Review the Co-op Program application deadlines below and submit your application on time to secure your place.

Application Deadlines by Term

Deadlines vary by program and cohort. Review the table below to confirm when to apply.

Co-op program To work in Summer 2026, apply by To work in Fall 2026, apply by To work in Spring 2027, apply by To work in Summer 2027, apply by
Undergraduate students
Arts & Social Sciences
Business
Communication
Computing Science
Environment
Health Sciences
Interactive Arts & Technology
Science
Software Systems

Cohort A:
Sept 1, 2025

Cohort B:
Oct 19, 2025

Cohort A:
Jan 4, 2026

Cohort B: 
Feb 22, 2026

Cohort A:
May 10, 2026

Cohort B:
Jun 28, 2026

Cohort A:
Sep 7, 2026

Cohort B:
Oct 25, 2026

Graduate students
Arts & Social Sciences
Economics
International Studies
Political Science
Urban Studies
Public Policy (automatically enrolled unless opted out)
Sept 21, 2025      

Apply to Co-op

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