Program Overview

Undergraduate Co-op Program

The UBC Applied Science Co-op Program is an optional program available to engineering and architecture students at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. This program allows students to integrate paid, technical, career-related work experience in industry while completing their degree.

Co-op at a Glance

• Join the Co-op Program and gain access to co-op exclusive workshops, resources, and advisors for effective job searching strategies and workplace support.
• Bridge classroom and real-world learning by enhancing study terms with work terms to gain hands-on experience and expand your professional network.
• Graduate with a degree and work experience by completing all co-op program requirements and graduating with co-op designation on your degree.

What is Co-op?

Co-operative Education (Co-op) is a structured academic program that allows students to integrate paid, technical, career-related work experience in industry while completing their degree. During their time in the program, students will alternate between completing study terms on campus with work terms spent working in their field, gaining hands-on skills and knowledge relevant to their studies and career goals.

Why Join Co-op?

By joining the Co-op Program, students can gain:

• Real-world experience that goes beyond the classroom
• Hands-on experience and skills relevant to their field
• Job search support and guidance
• Opportunities to expand their professional network
• The chance to earn money while gaining valuable work experience
• Personal and professional growth

How Co-op Works

Typical Work/Study Schedule

Each discipline and program have a pre-approved sequence. Typically, students will follow one of these pre-approved co-op sequences; however, they can choose to adjust their sequence based on their unique situation.

• Completing the co-op program will extend their degree by a year
• Completing the co-op program means completing 4 work terms for Engineering students, and 3 work terms for Architecture students, from at least two different academic terms
• End their degree on a study term, not a work term

Length & Number of Work Terms

Engineering students who complete four 4-month work terms and architecture students who complete three 4-month work terms, from at least two academic terms, graduate with co-op designation on their degree parchment. For a work experience to be registered as a co-op work term, it must be:

• Full-time: 35 to 40 hours per week
• Length: 12 to 16 weeks and within the academic term
• Paid: At least minimum wage
• Supervised: Supervised by an engineer, EIT, architect, or other technical staff who provides regular supervision, feedback, and completes the end of term performance evaluation
• Relevant: Technical and relevant to their academic program and/or career objectives
• Location: If the position is based outside of Canada, the country where they will be working must be a low-risk destination as per Global Affairs Canada’s travel advisories.

Co-op Fees

There are two types of fees associated with participation in the Co-op Program: The Co-op administration and workshop fee, and the Co-op course fee. These fees are set by the UBC Board of Governors on an annual basis and are consistent across all UBC Co-op programs.

• Co-op administration and workshop fee: A one-time, non-refundable payment due upon admission to the Co-op Program.
• Co-op course fee: Charged only after securing a job, regardless of whether the job is secured through PD Portal or externally.

Co-op Salaries

Co-op students are required to be paid at least the minimum wage for their region. In 2024, the average earnings for co-op students across four work terms were $67,952. However, wages can vary widely depending on the industry, prior experience, and the level of responsibility of the position.

Co-op Search Expectations

The co-op program mimics the real-world job search process. It’s competitive, and a job is not guaranteed. Students review job descriptions on the co-op job board and apply for positions that interest them. Employers review applications and identify candidates who best match their job requirements.

Co-op Work Term Requirements

While on their work term, students are required to:

• Work full-time and fulfill the terms of their employment contract
• Act professionally and respect the policies, procedures, confidentiality, and proprietary information of their employer
• Establish learning objectives and strive to achieve them
• Stay in contact with their Co-op Career Advisor for guidance and support
• Complete a work term assignment for their co-op work term course and submit it to the co-op Canvas course for grading
• Reflect on their experience and complete the student evaluation of the work term

Employers

Our employer partners play a pivotal role in shaping students' career journeys by providing hands-on, real-world experience. Students have the opportunity to work with leading organizations across various industries, where employers offer invaluable mentorship, industry insights, and practical skills that complement their academic studies.

Top Employers

• Amazon
• BC Hydro
• Electronic Arts
• Intel of Canada
• Metro Vancouver
• Qualcomm
• SAP
• Stantec
• Suncor
• Teck Resources
• Ballard Power Systems
• Canadian Space Agency
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Ledcor
• Microchip
• Sanofi Pasteur
• Smith + Andersen
• STEMCELL Technologies
• Tesla
• WSP

Student Loans and Scholarship

As a co-op student, students are considered full-time students even during their work terms. This means they can still get student loans, keep their interest-free status, and stay eligible for scholarships and awards. Co-op students applying for student loans should do so term-by-term, declaring their co-op earnings as income in their loan application.

Working Internationally While in Co-op

Each year, many students complete co-op work terms abroad, gaining valuable work experience and experiencing a new culture. In 2024, 128 students completed an international work term with the top international locations being the United States, Japan, China, and Germany.

Participating in Exchange Programs in Between Co-op Terms

Co-op students can also participate in academic exchange programs such as Go Global or Coordinated International Experience (CIE). If this is something they are considering, they are encouraged to discuss this with their Co-op Career Advisor to develop a co-op, exchange, and study sequence that works for them.