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Co-operative Education
SFU’s co-op programs are accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada, which confirms that they meet national standards for quality in co-operative education. This accreditation ensures that the co-op program is a recognized educational strategy that effectively integrates work experiences with the academic curriculum, enhancing student learning and encouraging reflection.
For more information about CEWIL visit Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada and also https://www.sfu.ca/coop/about/guide/co-op-at-sfu.html. Accredited programs must meet the following criteria.
- Each work term is developed in partnership with the employer and approved by the co-operative education program as a suitable learning environment;
- The student is engaged in productive work for which the student receives remuneration;
- The co-op curriculum supports student learning goals, personal evaluation and reflection;
- The student's performance in the workplace is supervised and evaluated by the student's employer;
- The student's progress during their work term is monitored by the co-operative education program;
- Both work and academic terms are full-time and follow a formalized sequence. The total amount of co-op work experience is normally at least 30% of the time spent in academic study. For programs of two years or less the total amount may be a minimum of 25%. A work term is defined as a minimum of 12 weeks and/or 420 hours full-time paid experience;
- Tuition is charged for each four-month work term;
- Co-op programs begin and end on an academic term;
The Simon Fraser University co-operative education program has been accredited since 1998.
A complete list, including specific disciplines, is available at https://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs.html.
Admission Requirements
All Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and visa students are eligible to participate in the co-op program. Visa students can obtain a co-op work permit, supported by documentation from the co-op program, which permits them to work in co-op approved roles.
Co-op is an optional program, except in the School of Engineering Science, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, and School of Sustainable Energy Engineering undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Applied Sciences; the School of Computing Science master of science in big data and the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering master of engineering in smart manufacturing and systems, where it is mandatory within the program structure.
Acceptance into the co-op program is based on co-op program requirements set by the Co-operative Education Office. Interested students should consult the Co-operative Education website.
Fees
There is a one-time co-op application fee, with co-op work term course tuition charged for each four-month work term in which the student enrolls. Co-op work term course tuition is tax deductible. For information, see Undergraduate Fees.
Degree Designation
Three work terms must be successfully completed for a four-year undergraduate degree with a co-op designation. Successful completion includes a passing grade (comprised of both a work project evaluation and performance evaluation) and compliance with minimum standards of participation.
Co-op for Graduate Students
Graduate General Regulation 1.4.7 Practical Experience
Co-operative education integrates work experience and graduate studies. The name reflects the co-operative relationship among the university, employer and student. Practical experience from work terms is related to the student's major interests within the graduate program. A number of graduate programs have been approved, by the relevant graduate program committee, for co-operative education (co-op).
Interested students should consult the Co-operative Education website.
The application to enroll in co-op is subject to departmental approval. Each department has a specific course for the co-op work terms or practica.