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 Fall 2024 Work in Spring 2025 Work in Summer 2025
Application Deadline February 5, 2024 June 5, 2024 October 5, 2024