Co-op Information for Students

How Does Co-op Work? 

To be eligible for co-op you must: 

  • Be a registered in an undergraduate program (with the exception for nursing, social work, education) 
  • A minimum CGPA of 2.50 and 24 credit hours completed (30 credits for engineering) 
  • Complete the Career Readiness Course in Moodle. This is an open-enrollment, self-paced course that is free and not for credit. 

Work Terms 

A typical Co-op work term is full-time work for approximately four or eight months, mirroring an academic semester.  

  • May semester: May – August 
  • September semester: September – December 
  • January semester: January – April 

Finding a work placement: 

UNBC’s co-op program involves a real-world job application process, giving you experience before you graduate from university. 

  1. Through the EL Hub, you will review job postings and submit a resume and cover letter for the jobs that interest you. You can use the Career Centre’s drop-in hours to have your resume reviewed – or ask your co-op coordinator. 
  1. Employers review applications and select students to interview. Book an appointment in the EL Hub for interview prep! 
  1. If you secure a job, you will complete an Experiential Learning Placement Form in the EL Hub. You will submit details of your co-op position and upload your offer letter.  

International students: 

You will need to apply for a co-op work permit to participate in the program.  Once you have been admitted into the co-op program, your co-op coordinator will go over the next steps.  

Sample study/work timeline:

Year  Fall Semester  Winter Semester Summer Semester
1 Study Study Free
2 Study Study Co-op 1
3 Study Co-op 2 Co-op 3
4 Study Study Free
5 Graduation Graduation  

Co-op Checklist

  • Submit a co-op application in the EL Hub 
  • Use the EL Hub to look for co-op job postings, or self-source your own job. 
  • Utilize the Career Centre’s resume templates and appointments for further assistance 

  • Submit an Experiential Learning Placement Form in the EL Hub 
  • Upload the offer letter 
  • Complete learning objectives 
  • Complete a course approval form to register into a co-op course during your work-term. 
  • Pay the co-op fee. 

  • Participate in a mid-term check-in with your co-op coordinator. 
  • Reach out to your co-op coordinator during your work term if you have any questions. 
  • Submit a final self-reflection assignment at the end of your coo-op work term. 

Download a PDF of the co-op checklist.

Fees

Simply joining the UNBC Co-op program is FREE!

Once you receive a co-op placement, you pay a tuition fee to enroll in a COOP course, just as you would to enroll in an academic course. The tuition fee is equal to a 3 credit course in the co-op work term you participate in. Please view the most recent undergraduate academic calendar for more information on the cost. You do not pay for enrolling in the program or participating in the online pre-employment training. The co-op work term tuition fee is non-refundable and is subject to change without notice. 

Please contact the co-op office for inquiries regarding self-sourced co-op work terms prior to accepting any position.