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Science Co-op
Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in the SFU Science 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.
Application Requirements
Faculty of Science Student
Undergraduate: You must be formally admitted to a BSc program in the Faculty of Science (undeclared or declared major) and in good academic standing. NOTE: Students with majors in the BPK area should apply to the Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology Co-op Program.
Graduate: Interested graduate level students should discuss their individual interests with a Co-op Coordinator and with their academic supervisor. NOTE: Co-op is only available at the graduate level in the Faculty of Science for Masters of Environmental Toxicology, Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science students.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate Students:
- We encourage you to apply after completing 30 units. If you have over 90 units, make an appointment with your coordinator to discuss your eligibility prior to applying.
- Please review the specific academic requirements below for your major/program area.
Graduate Students:
- Please review your interest and academic eligibility with a Co-op Coordinator and your academic supervisor prior to applying.
All Students:
- New students must join at least two semesters prior to their 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).
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 specific major or discipline area.
Step 2:
Attend the Science Co-op Information Session held at the start of each semester. Check the Important Dates page for times and locations.
Step 3:
Complete the General Co-op Application Form.
Discipline-Specific Admission Requirements
Each discipline in the Science Co-op Program has different admission requirements, but the application process itself is the same for all disciplines. Students are encouraged to join Science Co-op at least two semesters prior to the semester in which they intend to be working.
SFU Co-op considers each student individually. If you are not sure of your eligibility based on the specific program requirements, please come and speak with a Science Co-op Coordinator.
Biological Sciences
- Completed at least 45 credit hours prior to your first work term.
- Have a CGPA of at least 2.75.
- Have a viable plan to integrate three or four work terms into your academic schedule.
- Be willing to relocate - many of the Biological Science placements are located outside the Lower Mainland.
Contact Your Coordinator:
Magnus Billings
Phone: 778-782-5934
Email: sbilling@sfu.ca
Chemistry
- Completed at least 40 credit hours prior to your first work term.
- Have a viable plan to integrate three or four co-op work terms into your academic schedule.
Contact Your Coordinator:
Natalie Erickson
Phone: 778-782-4654
Email: natalie_erickson@sfu.ca
Earth Science
- Completed at least 45 credit hours prior to your first work term.
- Have a CGPA of at least 2.75.
- You are advised to have completed at least one quantitative/qualitative research course
- You must commit to completing at least 3 work terms.
- Be willing to relocate - many of the Earth Science placements are located outside the Lower Mainland.
- You are advised to have strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database, and if possible some familiarity with GIS and GPS).
- Many of the resource-based positions require a basic working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Contact Your Coordinator:
Paul DeGrace
Phone: 778-782-3115
Email: degrace@sfu.ca
Mathematics, Data Science, Mathematics and Computing Science (MACM), and Operations Research (OR)
Undergraduate:
- Completed a minimum of 30 credit hours and not more than 90 credit hours prior to your first work term.
- MACM - have a CGPA of at least 2.5
- MATH, Data Science, OR - have a CGPA of at least 2.75
- Have a viable plan to integrate three or four co-op work terms into your academic schedule.
Graduate:
- Interested graduate level students should discuss their individual interests with the Co-op coordinator and with their academic supervisor.
Contact Your Coordinator:
Magnus Billings
Phone: 778-782-5934
Email: sbilling@sfu.ca
MBB (& Joint Majors in MBB/BUS & MBB/CMPT)
- Completed a minimum of 45 credit hours prior to your first work term.
- Have a CGPA of at least 2.75.
- Have a viable plan to integrate three or four co-op work terms into their academic schedule.
Contact Your Coordinator:
Susan Mandley
Phone: 778-782-4694
Email: smandley@sfu.ca
Physics
- Completed a minimum of 40 hours prior to your first work term.
- Have a CGPA of at least 2.67.
- Have a viable plan to integrate three or four co-op work terms into your academic schedule.
Contact Your Coordinator:
Natalie Erickson
Phone: 778-782-4654
Email: natalie_erickson@sfu.ca
Statistics & Actuarial Science
Undergraduate:
- Completed a minimum of 30 credit hours and not more than 90 credit hours prior to your first work term.
- Have a CGPA of at least 2.75.
- Have a viable plan to integrate three or four co-op work terms into your academic schedule.
Graduate:
- Interested graduate level students should discuss their individual interests with the Co-op Coordinator and with their academic supervisor.
Contact Your Coordinator:
Natalie Erickson
Phone: 778-782-4654
Email: natalie_erickson@sfu.ca
Things to Consider
Expectations of students who join the Science 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 Summer 2024 | Work in Fall 2024 | Work in Spring 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 5, 2023 | February 5, 2024 | June 5, 2024 |