Frequently Asked Questions

Each program has different CGPA requirements. Visit your faculty's Co-op page for CGPA requirements and other information.

If this is your first semester at SFU, you can still apply to Co-op. However, you must meet your faculty's CGPA requirement in the semester before you begin your job search.

You should ideally apply to Co-op as soon as possible.  Because you are transferring credits to SFU, you should get involved in Co-op as soon as you come to campus.

Please complete a Work/Study Plan to see if you have space in your degree for the required number of work terms, and then contact your faculty's advisor. The Work/Study Plan sheet can be found on your Co-op program's website on the "Forms" page.

No, it is not too soon to apply. You should apply to Co-op two semesters ahead of when you want to do your first work term, so you will have plenty of credits by the time you start working.

Co-op is for full-time students. You should be in 9 units or more in your study terms.

No. Students who have been accepted into the Co-op program have access to all job postings –international or local. Visit the International Co-op website for more information about finding an international work term position.

Yes.  Co-op positions are available throughout BC, across Canada and all over the world. To find out about job postings in your country of choice, check out the International Co-op website. If you have any questions, you can make an appointment to speak with a Co-op Coordinator or Advisor from your faculty.

No. Co-op is a competitive program where students apply and compete for jobs. The more effort you put into the job search and job search preparation process, and the more positions you apply for, the more interviews you are likely to get. Likewise, the more interviews you do, the more likely you are to receive a job offer. Co-op staff are available to assist you in all stages of your Co-op work search, and special preparation for your job search is done through the Co-op workshops process, which helps you tailor your resume, cover letter and improve your interview skills. Aside from preparation, the more flexible students are with regard to the work experience they would like to gain and the locations they can work, the more likely they are to secure a position.

One work term provides a student with just 4 months of work experience. It is to your benefit to have at least 1 year of work experience upon graduation, as well as the related contacts and references this provides. At this time, with the completion of 3 work terms on an alternating basis with study terms, Co-op is noted on the graduation diploma. This is the model of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), which is used by accredited universities in Canada.

Students must complete 3 work terms throughout their undergraduate degree to obtain their Co-op designation. Masters and post-baccalaureate diploma students complete 1 or 2 work terms, though requirements vary between faculties.

Undergraduate students in Co-op can anticipate pay rates of $15.20/hour and up, depending on employer and position.

Masters students can earn anywhere from $18 - $25/hour, based on employer rates of pay.

Yes. This is called a Student-Developed Work Term. In addition to applying for positions on myExperience, you are welcome to search for your own work term. Please meet with your faculty's Co-op Coordinator for further details.

Yes. Students are not limited to positions from their faculty. We encourage students to apply for any jobs they find interesting and are suited for.

The application fee is a one-time fee. You won’t pay the Co-op practicum fee until you secure a Co-op position. The application fee must be paid before your next course registration date, or the end of the semester – whichever comes first.

You can find the Co-op practicum tuition in the SFU Student Calendar under the "Tuition" heading (click on either the Domestic or International Student tab).

Financial Assistance

You are considered a full-time SFU student in some cases by the university when doing a Co-op work term. Students receiving student loans or scholarships should always check with an SFU Financial Aid Advisor to confirm their full-time student status for purposes related to financial assistance.

Tax Forms

For T2202A tax related purposes, full-time student is defined separately by the Canada Revenue Agency. See explanation at T2202A.

The amount of work required for the job application and interview stages is comparable to taking one course. Keep this in mind when registering for courses for your job seeking semester. The workload decreases substantially after you’ve secured your first work term.

Yes. International students must obtain a Co-op work permit (this is different from an off-campus work permit). There are also some limitations, as International students cannot apply for government-funded positions or some positions in the Federal government.