Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in the SFU Computing Science Co-operative Education Program. Co-op allows you to gain real work industry experience during your degree. The program is open to all undergraduate students (including transfer, post-baccalaureate, and second degree).
Some benefits of Co-op work experience are the following:
- Apply your classroom knowledge in industry situations
- Increase your competitiveness by developing professional skills
- Build a strong application to secure employment post graduation
Take a look at the schedule of events for this term to find out when the first Co-op Info Session is scheduled. In this session, you will hear more about the benefits of Co-op and learn how to make the most of your Co-op experience.
Application Requirements
School of Computing Science
The Computing Science Co-op program is designed for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate diploma(PBD) students. Transfer students, direct entry high school students, international students, and mature students are all welcome to apply to the program.
In order for a student to be eligible for the program, you need the following:
- A declared Major in Computing Science
- Minimum CGPA of 2.5
To complete the program and obtain a Co-op Certificate, undergraduate students must be willing and able to commit to a minimum 3 Co-op work terms prior to graduation. (PBD and Second Degree students should contact their coordinator after being admitted to confirm their specific requirements.)
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
If you have over 90 units at the time of applying to the Co-op program, you will be reffered to a Coordinator to discuss how you plan to complete 3 Co-op work terms before you complete your degree.
Please keep in mind that it can take up to 2 terms before you actually start working in your first co-op work term.
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. This is different from your off-campus work permit. We recommend applying for the Co-op work permit as early as possible as processing times can be lengthy.
To apply you must submit a letter provided from the Co-op office indicating you are part of the Co-op program along with your application. You will be issued the letter at the beginning of your New Student term. Once you are registered in the Co-op Prep Course you will find instructions on how to be issued the Co-op letter to include in your work permit application.
The Co-op office must have a copy of your valid Co-op work permit prior to students being released to apply for Co-op positions.
Direct questions you have regarding the Co-op work permit process to the office of International Services for Students.
TIMELINE
There is no deadline to apply to co-op and we accept applications on an on-going basis. Once you apply, you will be added to the FAS Co-op Prep course to learn about the next steps as a New Student.