Interactive Arts & Technology Co-op
Prospective Students
Apply as early as your first year; the sooner, the better. If you're interested in joining the co-op but unsure about meeting our requirements, please contact srycoop@sfu.ca.
Students interested in the co-op program should apply two terms prior to their desired work term, ideally when they have between 30 and 80 credit hours. Starting your application early improves your chances of approval and ensures you're fully prepared for your co-op experience.
We offer two opportunities each term to begin the program (please refer to the table below). Once accepted, new students must complete Co-op 100: Orientation (3–4 hours) and the Co-op 101: Prep course (7 weeks, 3-5 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes, cover letters and portfolios, along with coaching from your faculty's Co-op Career Advisors.
After completing these courses and fulfilling all Prep term requirements, you will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs in the following term. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a co-op work term. Students need to apply for posted positions actively, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
Please note that you are expected to complete three co-op work terms before graduating. It is important to know that you cannot graduate while on a co-op term. Successful completion of the program will earn you a co-op designation on your final transcript.
| Prep Term | Seeking Term | Work Term | Cohort | Application Deadline | Prep Course Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | A | May 10, 2026 | May 11 - June 28, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | B | June 28, 2026 | June 29 - August 10, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 | A | September 7, 2026 | September 8 - October 25, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 | B | October 25, 2026 | October 26 - December 7, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 | Fall 2027 | A | January 3, 2027 | January 6 - February 21, 2027 |
| Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 | Fall 2027 | B | February 18, 2027 | February 23 - April 11, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | Fall 2027 | Spring 2028 | A | May 6, 2027 | May 11 - June 27, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | Fall 2027 | Spring 2028 | B | June 24, 2027 | June 29 - August 10, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | Spring 2028 | Summer 2028 | A | September 6, 2027 | September 9 - October 24, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | Spring 2028 | Summer 2028 | B | October 21, 2027 | October 26 - December 10, 2027 |
School of Interactive Arts & Technology Student
You must be formally admitted to the Bachelor of Interactive Arts & Technology program, or the Faculty of Communication, Art & Technology Bachelor of Arts Double Minor program with a declared minor in Interactive Arts & Technology, and in good academic standing.
Academic Requirements
- CGPA of at least 2.40
- Intention to complete 3 co-op work terms
- 45 units minimum completed prior to first work term
Have 80 units or more?
Before applying to co-op, please book an appointment with our Surrey Co-op Career Advisor (siatcoad@sfu.ca) to discuss your eligibility for the co-op program.
Students must maintain good academic standing during their seeking term. To remain eligible for positions that may require full-time student status, it is recommended that students enrol in at least 9 units during the seeking term.
Documentation
All students must ensure they have the necessary documents to be legally entitled to work on a co-op term:
- Social Insurance Number. For information about how to obtain SIN, review the “Applying for a SIN handout” by International Services for Students.
- MSP registration. For information about the medical insurance that students need, including while on a co-op term, review the SFU Medical Insurance page.
Work Permit for International Students
International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op Work Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to SFU co-op jobs. Once accepted into the co-op program, you will be issued a letter to include in your work permit application. We recommend applying for the work permit as early as possible, as processing time can be lengthy.
What’s Expected of Co-op Students
Participating in a Co-op program requires a significant time commitment. Many Co-op students compare the process of applying for Co-op jobs to taking an extra course. You will be competing with university students from across Canada for these roles. This process includes writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and attending Co-op workshops. It's important to carefully consider these factors before applying.
Co-op opportunities are about discovering what types of work you enjoy and what you do not. We encourage our Co-op students to apply for positions in diverse fields throughout their education. By the time you graduate, you will have developed a better understanding of the work environments that suit you best, all based on real-life work experience.
Co-op Application Fee
As part of enrolment into the SFU Co-operative Education program, every student who applies must pay the application fee when they first join. Please refer to SFU Co-op Cost and Deadlines page for more information.