Master of Engineering in BMEG & MECD

All full-time Master of Engineering (MEng) students in Biomedical Engineering and Mechatronics Design who begin their program in September are eligible to participate in the Co-op Program.  

Please note: All students who submit a complete application by the deadline will be admitted to the program.  

We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply, including Indigenous persons, members of visible minorities, person with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.  

If you need accommodations during the application process due to a disability or other systemic barriers, please reach out to us at apsc.coop@ubc.ca for support.

Applications for the 2025/2026 intake are now closed.

Applications for 2026/2027 intake will open in December.  A link to the application will be posted here.

The application includes:  

• Personal Information Questionnaire
• Quiz on the Co-op Program's Terms and Conditions  
• Current resume (using the provided Co-op template)

Applications are accepted only once a year. 

Dates and Deadlines for the 2026/2027 Academic Year 

Being in the Co-op Program gives you access to exclusive workshops, resources, and personalized support to guide your job search and transition into the workplace.

Your first step is completing APSC 107: Introduction to Applied Science Co-op. This course must be completed before you can access the co-op job board, apply for positions, or register a work experience. The Co-op Program will automatically register all newly admitted students in the course

All co-op positions must begin in the academic term immediately following your final study term (September).  

In addition, the position must meet the following criteria:

• Paid Position
  • In Canada and the United States, roles must pay at least the minimum wage for the applicable jurisdiction.
  • For international roles, compensation is assessed on a case-by-case basis due to differences in local labour laws, compensation norms, and workplace culture.
• Minimum Work Term Duration
  • The position must total at least 420 hours within a single work term.
  • This is equivalent to 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work (35 hours per week). 
• Relevant Technical Experience
  • The work must involve technical tasks aligned with your academic program and career development.
  • If you are unsure whether a role qualifies, consult your Co-op Career Advisor. 
• Supervision
  • The role must include appropriate supervision to support your learning and professional development. 
• International Work (if applicable)
  • For roles outside of Canada, the work location must be in a “low risk” destination according to the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories.

International students holding a valid study permit with an on-campus work authorization can complete co-ops or internships in Canada.  

Note, some co-op student opportunities are restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents due to security clearance or funding requirements.  

Effective April 1st, 2026 under new IRCC regulations, post-secondary international students no longer need to apply for separate Co-op Work Permit to participate in a student work placement that is required to complete their program of study.  

Once you are accepted into the Co-op Program, the Applied Science Co-op Office will provide the necessary documentation (such as the co-op student work placement confirmation letter) to verify your employment meets these updated IRCC requirements.

If you have further questions about your study permit or work eligibility, you can connect with International Student Advising. 

All students admitted into the Co-op Program are required to complete APSC 107: Introduction to Applied Science Co-op before you can access the co-op job board, apply for positions, or register a work experience. The Co-op Program will automatically register all newly admitted students in the course.

APSC 107 is a zero-credit, pass/fail, self-paced course delivered through Canvas, that is designed to help you succeed in both your co-op job search and your work term. In this course you will learn:  

• Job search strategies and employer research  
• Resume and cover letter writing  
• Interview skills  
• Networking  
• Professionalism in the workplace
• How to access and use co-op supports and resources

The co-op option for MEng BMEG and MEng MECD students has been purposely designed for you to start your co-op in September, when the job search is less competitive, and you have completed your academic degree requirements.  

For MEng MECD students, the internship is 4 months. For MEng BMEG students, internships are 4 or 8 months, depending on the employer, and must be completed with a single organization (see Graduate Work Term Sequences).

As the internship takes place at the end of the program, there may be opportunities for full-time, permanent employment upon completion, if mutually agreed.

The Co-op Program mimics the real-world job search process. It’s competitive and a job is not guaranteed. Here’s how it works: 

1. Job Search: You review job descriptions on the co-op job board and apply for the positions that interest you. You are encouraged to also search for internship positions outside the co-op job board. Using multiple sources and job boards for job postings will increase your chances of securing an internship position.
2. Application Review: Employers review the applications and identify candidates who best match their job requirements.
3. Interviews: Candidates selected by employers will be invited to interviews.
4. Job Offer: After the interview, the employer decides which candidate to hire (if any) and extends an offer of employment to the successful candidate.
5. Decision: The successful candidate must decide whether to accept or decline the offer within 2 business days.

Most jobs are open to international co-op/internship students; however, some positions, particularly those with the federal government, may be restricted to Canadian citizens due to security clearance or funding requirements. 

All co-op students must be appropriately compensated for their work. Students working in Canada and the United States are required to be paid at least minimum wage for their work location. For positions outside these countries, compensation should align with local labour laws and standard practices.  

Most internship students earn more than the British Columbia or other provincial/territorial minimum wage. For more co-op salary information, please refer to the monthly salary table for UBC Applied Science Co-op students working in Canada from January-December 2025.

The Co-op Program provides a range of supports to help you prepare for your job search and succeed in securing a co-op position, including:

• Workshops to help you develop your resume, cover letter, and interview skills
• Career toolkits with practical tips and templates
• VMock, an AI-powered resume feedback tool
• Access to PD Portal, the platform where you can:
  • View hundreds of job postings each term
  • Apply to positions and track your progress
  • Manage your co-op experience throughout the program  
• Employer engagement opportunities, including industry panels and networking receptions
• Weekly one-hour job search advising sessions with a Co-op Career Advisor for expert guidance and job search strategies
• One-to-one appointments with Career Peer Coaches for personalized support

These supports are designed to help build your career confidence and gain meaningful work experience.

During your internship you will be registered in a co-op work term course and are required to: 

• Work Full Time:  Fulfil the terms of your employment contract and learn as much as you can.
• Act Professionally: Respect the policies, procedures, confidentiality and proprietary information of your employer.
• Establish Learning Objectives: Identify the skills, knowledge and insights you want to gain during the work term and strive to achieve them.
• Stay in Contact: Participate in a work term check-in midway through your work term with your Co-op Career Advisor and keep in touch with your Co-op Career Advisor for guidance and support.
• Complete Assignment: Finish your internship assignment and submit it to the co-op work term Canvas course for grading.
• Reflect on Experience: Reflect on the skills and knowledge you have developed during the work term and how they relate to your academic program and career goals. Complete the student evaluation of the work term. Review your supervisor’s assessment of your performance and areas of improvement identified in the employer evaluation of the work term.
• Adhere to Terms and Conditions: Abide by the Graduate Terms and Conditions of the Co-op Program for the duration of your internship.