If you applied to the Co-op Program by the deadline (Friday, September 17) you will be informed by email (sent to your BU email account) on Friday, October 1, 2021.
Note: if you meet the Major GPA requirement, the minimum number of credit hours and you have all of the required courses for your Major, you will be accepted. If you do not have one of those three requirements, you may be conditionally accepted to the Co-op Program.

More Eligibility Requirements Information

If you received a conditional acceptance into the Co-op Program it means there are some requirements that you must successfully complete before your first work term. Those requirements will be outlined in your conditional acceptance letter. Once those requirements are satisfied, your admission to the Co-op Program will automatically convert into an acceptance.

More Eligibility Requirements Information

There are two different fees that a student must pay to participate in the Co-op Program.

• First, there is a one-time, non-refundable Co-op Program Fee that is paid when you are accepted into the Co-op Program.
• Second, every time you have a Co-op Work Term, you will register for the Co-op Work Term Course and pay the standard applicable 3.0 credit hour course fee. If a student does three work terms during their degree, they will pay their Work Term Course Fee, three times.

*Co-op fees are non-refundable and subject to change. 

In short, no. Your participation in the Co-op Program does not guarantee a job. However, we can say that 90% of students in the 2020/2021 Co-op Program did land a job. That is because the Co-op Office will support you every step of the way. Starting with your job search, finalizing your resume and prepping for the interview, we’re here for you. However, landing a job is in your hands. How much of your time you invest in your job search process, the number of positions you apply for, the quality of your cover letter and resume, and of course the positive attitude you bring will all factor in your success. 

Through the Professional Development Series, you will learn where to look for job postings, how to network with professionals in your field and how to prepare an outstanding cover letter and resume. Students who fully invest in the the workshops, typically land a job more quickly than their counterparts. The Co-op Office will help you in your job search endeavors by reaching out to businesses in our community, informing you and other Co-op students of job postings, and meeting one-on-one to create your plan for success. 

Yes!  You may already be working for a great employer, or you may know of companies that hire Co-op students. If that is the case, talk to the Co-op Office early as every co-op job needs to be reviewed and approved. Remember, your success in landing a job is in your hands. The Co-op Office works closely with you every step of the way.

Yes! Your job market is as vast as you wish to make it. Remember, some positions require you to work in person. If that is the case, you need to be willing to relocate to that new location for the duration of your work term. BU Co-op has had co-op students work in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Northern Manitoba.

Employers set salaries. Typically, your salary increases with each work term, but it is not guaranteed. Students are typically paid hourly with average wages between $12 to$19 per hour but this depends on many factors, including the industry, the level of the position, and the local economy. 

There are some students who do 8-month work terms, and that is an option too. Talk to the Co-op coordinator if that is something you are considering.

If you completed three work term courses, you will earn a total of 9.0 credit hours, and also receive a Co-operational Education designation on your parchment when you graduate.

Note: The credit hours from Co-op may count as electives, but cannot be used towards fulfilling major, minor, or liberal arts requirements. 

Yes! International students are welcome to apply to join the Co-op Program.

Note: After you are admitted to the Co-op Program, an international student has to apply to the Government of Canada for a Co-op work permit. This must be done as soon as possible, to ensure that you have the necessary paperwork to accept a Co-op job. The appropriate application links and verification letter will be provided to you by the Co-op Program.

 For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/intern.html 

If you are working in Canada, you require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your SIN number is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs. SIN numbers can be obtained through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), a Federal Government department dedicated to helping people secure work in Canada. For more information 

 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development.html 

Finally, you may be required to complete additional company-specific documentation prior to starting your work term, for example, non-disclosure agreements. 

Your Co-op Coordinator works with you one-on-one before, during, and after your job application process. They will help you identify appropriate jobs, prepare, and construct a plan to have greater chances of success. During the academic year your Co-op Coordinator teaches the Professional Development Series and will assist you with any questions that arise.  

Here is an example of how three Co-op work terms fit into a degree. 

Please remember that this is an example. Course sequencing and individual course load allocations will vary by student and/or program.

As a Co-op student, you must maintain a pre-determined work/study sequence while participating in the Co-op work terms. If there is an opportunity or circumstances which warrants a change of sequence, students should contact the Co-op Coordinator to seek their recommendation. 

If a change of sequence is recommended by their Co-op Coordinator, students are responsible for: 

1. A written request, providing details reasoning with proposed action plan
2. A revised course plan with unofficial transcript 
3. Arrange a Study/Work sequence change request review with the respective Academic Chair or his/her designate. Once the academic department has reviewed and endorsed the change of Work/Study sequence, it is the student’s responsibility to submit the documents to the Co-op Office for final approval and administration. 

 Please note that in some cases it may not be possible to make a change and the request will not be approved. Students who voluntarily change their work/study sequence without permission will be withdrawn from Co-op.