Undergraduate Students
Co-operative Education
Co-operative Education is an educational model that formally integrates academic study with relevant, paid work experience. The standard co-op program consists of periods of academic study combined with periods of work experience in appropriate employment fields such as business, industry, government, the professions, not-for-profit and community-based organizations.
Student Financial Assistance in Co-Op
Students participating in a Co-Op term are able to apply for and receive government issued, student financial assistance, including both loans and grants (non-repayable funding).
Participating in a Co-Op term is not considered to be the same as having a full-time job when applying for student loan funding. When submitting their application, students must:
- Apply for student aid funding on a term by term basis
- Answer “yes” to the question “Between the date classes start and the date classes end, will you be on a co-op/paid work term?
- Answer "no" to the question "Will you have a full time job during your study period?"
Contact a Financial Aid Advisor if participating in:
- a Co-Op term and are enrolled in additional class(es)
- an International Co-Op term
Maintaining in-study interest-free status in Co-Op
Enrollment in Co-op is considered the equivalent of full-time study; therefore, a Co-op student may apply for in-study interest-free status. See In Study Interest-Free Status (BC residents) for more information; otherwise check with your province of residence. Students must submit a request for confirmation of enrollment on a term by term basis to update their student status.
Contact a Financial Aid Advisor for further information.
Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries in Co-Op
Students enrolled in a SFU Co-Op term only are ineligible to apply for most* SFU administered scholarships, awards and/or bursaries since the 3 unit Co-Op is not a standard graded course. Students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements listed for scholarships, awards, and/or bursaries.
*Effective Spring 2020, students who are officially enrolled in a SFU Co-Op term are eligible to apply for Co-Op specific awards during that term. Students who have further questions or want to be considered for these specific awards should contact the Work Integrated Learning Office to learn more.
*Students enrolled in a SFU International Co-Op term are eligible to apply for SFU International Co-Op Education Bursaries and/or the SFU International Co-Op Education Awards.