Co-op Programs in Canada for International Students 2024: Best Universities

Co-operative or co-op programs in Canada means that students can combine their students and work term. These programmes help students to get practical work experience while pursuing an education, along with implementing the technical knowledge gained during the education. Many co-op programs' duration is usually 8 to 12 months, and are divided into 2 semesters, one for education and the other for internship.

Latest: Canada Country Guide

This Story also Contains

1. Benefits of Co-op Programs in Canada
2. Top 10 Co-Op Programs in Canada Universities
3. Co-op Programs in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
4. How to apply to Co-op Programs in Canada?
5. Cost of Studying Co-op Programs in Canada
6. Co-op Programs in Canada vs Internship

To study co-op programs in Canada, students must first get a work permit and then apply for a co-op programme. Co-op programs in Canadian universities include Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science offered by the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, the University of Waterloo, and more. Aside from a work permit, students must also provide a letter from their university confirming that all students in that programme are required to complete internships to receive their degree.

Co-op programs are not similar to internships, as they connect employers and employees, whereas co-op programs connect universities, employers, and students. Internship programmes usually are free, although co-op programs require students to pay a certain amount of course fee. Read on to learn about Co-op programs in Canada, along with top universities offering the course, top co-op programs, eligibility criteria, and more.

Benefits of Co-op Programs in Canada

There are several benefits to pursuing Co-op programs in Canada for international students, a few of which are mentioned below:

• Candidates can gain work experience before completing their course of study.

• Due to hands-on experience, graduates can get better career opportunities than other students.

• Through the stipend provided by co-op programme employers, students can cover the cost of living in Canada.

• Students can also increase their networks by building professional networks and industry connections.

• This can also help students to develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and more.

Top 10 Co-Op Programs in Canada Universities

Co-op Programs in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

Some co-op program in Canada require work experience as part of their admission criteria. One can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if they meet all the following conditions:

• You hold a valid study permission.

• You must work to complete your study programme in Canada.

• The university has sent you a letter confirming that all students in your programme are required to have work experiences to receive their degrees.

• Your co-op employment or internship accounts for 50% or less of your study programme.

Who is not eligible for co-op program in Canada?

You are not eligible for a co-op work permit if you are taking any of the following:

• Learning English or French as a second language, or attending general interest classes.

• Classes to prepare for another academic programme.

Note: If you are not eligible for a co-op work permit and want to work in Canada, you must apply for a work permit.

How to apply to Co-op Programs in Canada?

To be admitted to Co-op programs in Canada, students must first apply through the university's official website. Below are the steps to complete your application for Canadian colleges that offer co-op courses:

• Choose one abroad website to begin your applications to multiple universities.

• Assemble all of your supporting material, such as SOPs, essays, certificates, LORs, and test results for IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.

• Meet all application deadlines and submit Canadian student visa, scholarship, and loan applications.

• Accept the offer letter sent by the university.

• Once your visa has been approved, candidates can prepare to travel to their selected university.

Cost of Studying Co-op Programs in Canada

Fees for work and study terms are different for co-op programs in Canada. The usual cost of tuition for study terms is around USD 500-700, while the co-op fee for work terms is approximately USD 200-600. During the work term, students can use university services and hence are required to pay a co-op charge. Apart from this, students are also required to cover living expenses in Canada. The cost of living in Canada for an international student is 211.0% higher than in India, a detailed breakdown of living expenses is mentioned below.

Cost of Living in Canada 2024

Co-op Programs in Canada vs Internship