Environment Co-op
Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in the SFU Environment Co-operative education program. If you think the program might be right for you, here's what you need to know about joining the program.
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 (4–5 hours) and the Co-op 101: Prep course (7 weeks, 4–5 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes and cover letters, 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.
| Work in Summer 2026 | Work in Fall 2026 | Work in Spring 2027 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | September 1 OR October 19, 2025 | January 4 OR February 22, 2026 | May 10 OR June 28, 2026 |
| New Student Term Co-op 100: Orientation Co-op 101: Prep |
Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
| Seeking Term (Applying for jobs) |
Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
Faculty of Environment Student
You must be enrolled in a full-time degree program in the Faculty of Environment and in good academic standing.
Academic Requirements
All Students:
- Apply as early as possible, even first year, with a minimum of two terms prior to your intended first co-op work term.
- Undergraduate students must commit to a minimum of three co-op work terms during their degree (min. of one co-op work term for graduate students).
Undergraduate Students:
- Should have completed less than 80 units, including current semester.
- If you have 80+ units, please consult with the Environment Co-op Coordinator before applying.
Graduate Students:
- Please review your interest and academic eligibility with the Environment Co-op Coordinator and your academic supervisor prior to applying.
Work Permits (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 times can be lengthy.
Step 1
Please ensure that you have reviewed the Admission Requirements below for your particular program area.
Step 2
Attend the Environment Co-op information session held at the start of each semester, or if you prefer, meet directly with the Environment Co-op Coordinator. Check the Important Dates page for information session event details.
Step 3
Complete the general Co-op application form.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree program.
- You must have an approx. cumulative grade point average of 2.5 CGPA and 30-80 units completed when applying for Co-op
- No more than approx. 80 credit hours of courses completed toward your current degree
- You must commit to completing a minimum of three work placements. Students not intending to complete at least three work placements will not be admitted
- Many of the Environment Co-op placements are located outside the Lower Mainland and students should be willing to relocate for some of their work placements
- You are advised to have strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database, and if possible some familiarity with GIS and GPS is a major asset)
Program Areas
- Archaeology
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Resource Management (BEnv)
- Environmental Science
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Global Environmental Systems (BEnv)
- Human Geography (BA)
- Physical Geography (BSc)
Graduate Programs
- Get verbal approval to participate in Co-op from your academic supervisor
- You must complete your work term(s) before defending and graduating
- Be available for 8 month placements. Most MRM employers prefer graduate students to stay on for two terms due to the advanced nature of the work, increased level of responsibility, and amount of guidance and training provided by the employer.
Program Areas
- Resource & Environmental Management (MRM)