Co-operative or co-op programs in Canada mean that students get an opportunity to work while studying in Canada. These programmes help students to get practical work experience while studying. 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. 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. The University of Waterloo is known for its large co-op program, with more than 120 programs and 20,000 students. Apart 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. Read along to learn about co-op programs in Canada, along with top universities offering the course, eligibility criteria, and more.
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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.
University | QS WUR 2025 | Best co-op programs in Canada |
University Of British Columbia | 38 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. |
96 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. | |
University of Waterloo | 115 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science and Computing |
189 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. | |
198 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. | |
319 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. | |
349 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. | |
851-900 | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. | |
- | Biochemistry, Business Administration, Criminology, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science and Computing. | |
Centennial College | - | Business Administration, Economics, Ancient Studies, and Computer Science. |
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 permit.
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 experience to receive their degrees.
Your co-op employment or internship accounts for 50% or less of your study programme.
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.
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.
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.
Expense list | Costs per year |
Housing | CAD 1,917 |
Food | CAD 150-250 |
Transportation | CAD 100-150 |
Utilities | CAD 220 |
Healthcare | CAD 250 |
Parameters | Co-op programs in Canada | Internships |
Duration | 8-12 months | 2-3 months |
Compensation / Stipend | Stipend is provided by Co-op employers | Usually, no stipend or compensation is provided |
Eligibility | Only those enrolled in co-op courses can work. | Open to everyone |
Structure | In co-op programs, students study for one term and use those skills to work in another semester. | Candidates primarily focus on gaining work experience. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, students are paid for co-op programmes in Canada. Apart from work experience, students are also provided with a salary or an hourly basis allowance.
Co-op programme is provided at various Canadian universities including the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and more. The University of Waterloo is known for its co-op programs in Canada.
In Canada, co-op programs integrate education along with paid work experience. Students can pursue their course of study and work based on the skills they learned. This allows students to gain practical knowledge, build a network, and upskill their resume.
Yes, international students can work full-time during co-op in Canada. Students are provided work permits for co-op, which allows them to work and gain practical skills.
Co-op programmes in Canada duration usually range from 8 to 12 months. The total duration is divided into 2 semesters, one for course and the other for internship.
On Question asked by student community
your career plan is valid as it provide knowledge which is relevant to become ips officer but you need to prepare for other subjects too because UPSC's ips broad syllabus includes Indian governance and current affairs too.
I advice to choose b.a in psychology in india as this avoids the need for an equivalency certificate after your graduation from canadian universities from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) that is mandatory for foreign degrees.
But still if you want to prefer canadian degree then you can consider Simon Fraser University and the University of Windsor which offer a combined degree B.A. in Psychology and Criminology.
Hope it helps...
An undergraduate degree abroad is a good investment if you pursue it in canada because it provides quality education at affordable costs, along with a clearer path to post-graduation work and permanent residency,making it a reliable option to settle abroad.
Coming to U.S. it offers top-tier universities and higher salaries, but have very high costs and a difficult visa process for international graduates.
And if you are not sure go for studying in your home country which is more affordable and offering opportunities in a growing tech sector.
Ultimately, a strong focus on finances and long-term career plans, including any desire to immigrate, will guide your decision.
Good luck!!
After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.
Hello,
Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-radiology
hi ,
yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .
eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada
academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.
English proficiency test -
(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)
mathematics requirement
Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.
hope this helps
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