Program Overview

Co-operative Education Program

The Co-operative (Co-op) Education Program connects classroom learning with valuable work experience, preparing students for a successful career.

What is Co-op?

Co-op is an experiential learning program that gives students the opportunity to use their classroom knowledge in real-world, productive work environments, while getting paid and earning academic credit. It is a partnership between a student, an employer, and the educational institution. Each co-op work term earns a student 3 credit hours while working full-time hours for approximately 4 months over the academic term.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree Program Students: Students who have been admitted to an undergraduate program within the faculty are eligible to apply to the Co-op Program. Students must have completed at least 24 credit hours of studies by the end of the academic year of application.
• Diploma in Agriculture Students: To be considered for admission, a first-year diploma student must have a minimum Degree GPA of 2.0 and have completed at least 24 credit hours of studies by the end of the academic year of application.
• International Students: International students are welcome to apply for Co-op. If accepted into the co-op program, international students will be directed to apply for a co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Benefits & Costs

The Co-op Program provides students with numerous benefits, including:

• Career development and resources
• Financial benefits, such as earning money to supplement education costs
• Academic benefits, such as gaining co-op designations on transcripts and parchments
• Career network development

Costs & Associated Fees

• Co-op fees include co-op course fees to earn 3 credit hours towards a degree or diploma program.
• The fee for Agriculture Diploma and Agricultural & Food Sciences is $796.70.

Expectations of Co-op Students

Applicants who are accepted into the program agree to follow co-op guidelines designed to help them be successful before and after graduation. These expectations include:

• Informing the Co-op Coordinator of any changes to degree, program, or contact information
• Conducting research for co-op roles that suit interests, academic goals, and personal life adaptability
• Ensuring resume and cover letters are complete and professional in appearance
• Applying for an appropriate number of jobs across a range of sectors of the agri-food industry
• Attending and participating in professional development and job search readiness opportunities

Application Process

To apply to the Co-op Program, students must:

1. Log in to their student account in the university's career and co-op portal
2. Confirm access to the Ag & Food Sci Career & Co-op module
3. Complete a Co-op Program Application Form
4. Attend a Group Interview, if selected

Important Dates

• Co-op intake occurs annually in the fall term
• Applications open in the summer
• Once accepted into the program, students do not need to reapply for subsequent work terms

Accelerated Option

Students may be eligible for an accelerated option to start their first work term as early as the upcoming winter term. This option requires students to have completed at least two academic terms of their program, be ready to submit a quality resume and cover letter, and possess interviewing skills.