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Environment Co-op

Prospective Students

Thank you for your interest in the SFU Environment Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program.  If you think the program might be right for you, here's what you need to know about joining the program. Complete the General Co-op Application Form found here: Application Form. 

Application Requirements

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 semesters prior to your intended first co-op work term.
  • Undergraduate students must commit to a minimum of 3 co-op work terms during their degree (min. of 1 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.

Application Process

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 found here: Application Form.

Program-Specific 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 2.75 
  • NO MORE than approx. 80 credit hours of courses completed toward your current degree 
  • You must commit to completing a minimum of 3 work placements. Students not intending to complete at least 3 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 workterm(s) before defending and graduating 
  • Be available for 8 month placements. Most MRM employers prefer graduate students to stay on for two semesters 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)

Things to Consider

Expectations of students who join the Environment Co-op Program:

  • New students must join at least two semesters prior to their intended first co-op work term.
  • All undergraduate students are expected to complete a minimum of 3 work terms, alternating between work and study semesters. Graduate students complete a minimum of 1 work term.
  • Acceptance into the Co-op program does not guarantee a Co-op work term. Students need to actively apply for posted positions, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
  • Searching for a Co-op work term is a lot like taking an extra course. Writing cover letters, preparing for and attending interviews, and attending Co-op workshops takes a lot of time and effort, but it's worth it.
  • Expect to have FUN too! Not only is a Co-op work term a welcome break from courses, but the Co-op staff are here to help you along the way - resume feedback, practice interviews, career-related consultations, and check-ins during your work terms.
  Work in Spring 2023 Work in Summer 2023 Work in Fall 2023
Application Deadline June 5, 2022 October 5, 2022 February 5, 2023
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