1. Completion of the Co-op Application Form  

To apply for the Co-operative Education Program at SFU, please complete the Co-operative Education Application Form on our Apply to Co-op section. Choose Computing Science (Surrey). 

2. Type of Degree  

The Computing Science Co-op program is open to full-time (minimum of 9 credits) undergraduate and post-baccalaureate diploma students currently declared Software Systems major. Students who are studying other areas of Computing Science should apply to the Computing Science Burnaby Co-op program.

Transfer students, direct entry high school students, international students and mature students are all welcome to apply to the program.  

3. Credit Hours  

• Students must be willing and able to commit to a minimum of 3 Co-op work terms (or 1-2 for Second degee and Post Baccelaureate programs) prior to graduation, ending on a study term.
• Before you can be released to seek for co-op jobs, you must be registered or have completed CMPT 275 or 276.
  
• You need to have completed 45 to 60 credit hours at the time you undertake your first work term. 
• If you currently have more than 75 credits, please talk to to a co-op coordinator about your plan for co-op.

4. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)  

We encourage all students to come and speak with us. If your CGPA is under 2.40 before applying, please contact your co-op coordinator.  

5. Work Permit Requirements for International Students  

Canada Immigration requires that students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents apply for a Co-op work permit in order to work off-campus in a Co-op position. A letter requesting this work permit is prepared for each international student accepted to the Co-op Program. It is the student's responsibility to pick up this letter and apply for the Co-op work permit. The authorization process can be lengthy so start early! 

It is important to realize what your commitment to co-op represents. Here are some points that will help you to make the best out of your co-op experience.  

1. All undergraduate students are required to commit to complete a minimum of three work terms (but ideally four work terms), and Second Degree and Post Baccalaureate students must commit to a minimum of one work term. Students should alternate between work and study semesters. Students not intending to complete the minimum number of work terms will not be admitted. 
   
   
2. Co-op is about learning what you like and what you don't. We encourage students to “try out” various areas to ensure that when you graduate you have a good idea of the type of work you would like to pursue as well as the type of working environment you prefer. 
   
   
3. Occasionally students might not be placed right away. Don't be discouraged, continue to apply and keep in close contact with your co-op coordinator/advisor.  
   
   
4. Students are also encouraged to conduct their own "self-directed" work search with support from their Co-op Coordinator. 
   
   
5. Acceptance into the Co-op program does not guarantee placement in a work term. Students are required to apply for posted positions, and it is the employers who determine the applicants to be interviewed and hired. 
   
   
6. Searching for a Co-op work term is a lot like taking an extra course. Writing cover letters and preparing for and attending interviews takes a lot of time and effort – but it pays off! 

Are you ready to explore your options through Co-op? Apply now!