Applied Science’s Co-op Program for students in Master of Engineering (MEng) in CHBE, CIVL, EECE, GEOE, and MECH offers the opportunity to gain practical industry experience, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge, enhance technical skills, and build valuable connections while solving real-world challenges. If you’re interested in participating in the Co-op Program, please review the information below.
Admission Process
1. Verify Your Eligibility
Master of Engineering students in the following disciplines who are starting their program in September are eligible to participate in the Co-op Program, provided they apply within the same year and term their program starts:
- Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Geological Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
2. Submit Your Application
Applications for the 2024/2025 intake year are now closed. Applications for the 2025/2026 intake will open in August 2025.
The application includes a short survey and resume submission. Applications for admission to the co-op program are accepted only once per year.
3. Admission
You will be admitted into the Co-op Program if you:
- Meet the eligibility criteria
- Submit a complete application by the deadline
- Agree to the Graduate Terms and Conditions of the Co-op Program
Information Sessions
Want to learn more about the co-op program? Attend an information session. Our co-op career advisors will be available to answer any questions you may have about the Applied Science Co-op Program. Details of the information session will be posted in early August 2025.
How Co-op Works
Co-op Program Timeline
| August | Attend a Co-op Information Session |
| September | Submit Your Co-op Application by the Deadline |
| October | Participate in Pre-Employment Training Workshops |
| November | Apply for a Co-op Work Permit |
| January - April | Conduct Your Co-op Job Search |
| May | Start Your Co-op Work Term |
Co-op Work Term Criteria
Co-op work terms must meet the following criteria to receive co-op course credit:
- Full-time: 35 to 40 hours per week
- Length: 4, 8 or 12 months (minimum 12 weeks)
- Paid: At least minimum wage
- Supervised: Supervised by an engineer, EIT, or other technical staff who provides regular supervision, feedback, and completes the end of term performance evaluation
- Relevant: Technical and relevant to your academic program
- Location: If the position is based outside of Canada, the country where you will be working must be a low-risk destination as per Global Affairs Canada’s travel advisories.
Co-op Work Permit
International students are required to apply for a co-op work permit (in addition to holding a valid study permit) to legally work in Canada on a UBC-approved co-op work term. After you are admitted into the Co-op Program, we will provide you with a letter for your co-op work permit application that confirms the work term is a requirement for your degree.
Mandatory Pre-employment Training Workshops
All students accepted into the co-op program will participate in a series of workshops designed to introduce you to essential career resources available within the program. These workshops will include interactive job search activities, discussions, and opportunities to engage with industry professionals through industry-specific Q&A panels.
Work/ Study Sequence
Master of Engineering students begin their work term in May, and work for 4- to 8-months, then return to academic courses to complete their degree. Students are able to complete 1 to 2 work terms (ie, 4 to 8 months of work experience) consecutively with the same employer.
Job Search Expectations
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:
- Job Search: You review job descriptions on the co-op job board and apply for the positions that interest you. You are encouraged to search for positions outside the co-op job board as well. Using multiple sources and job boards for job postings will increase your chances of securing a position.
- Application Review: Employers review the applications and identify candidates who best match their job requirements.
- Interviews: Selected candidates are invited for interviews.
- Job Offer: After the interview, the employer decides which candidate to hire (if any) and extends an offer of employment to the successful candidate.
- 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 students; however, some positions, particularly those with the federal government, may be restricted to Canadian citizens only due to security clearance or funding requirements.
Co-op Program Fees
How much does it cost to participate in the co-op program?
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, are consistent across all UBC Co-op programs, and typically increase 2% each year. Students page the same fee regardless of their student status (i.e., domestic, international, undergraduate, or graduate).
Co-op administration and workshop fee: The co-op administration and workshop fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment due upon admission to the Co-op Program. This fee is paid directly to the Applied Science Co-op Program.
The Co-op administration and workshop fee covers the cost of creating each student's co-op account profile on PD Portal, and the delivery of our pre-employment training workshops. Upon admission to the Co-op Program, students are enrolled in APSC 107: Introduction to Applied Science Co-op, a 0 credit, required course delivered in workshop format. These workshops are designed to help you craft effective cover letters and resumes, improve your interviewing skills, understand the purpose of networking, and familiarize yourself with co-op resources, processes, and procedures. Participation in these workshops is essential for your success in securing a co-op work term. All students admitted to the Co-op Program must attend the workshops and complete all requirements to proceed in the program.
Co-op course fee: The co-op course fee is charged only after you secure a job, regardless of whether you secure your job through PD Portal or externally. The costs involved in running the Co-op Program, including guidance, monitoring, and support throughout your work term are the same regardless of how you secure your job. This fee ensures you have access and receive comprehensive support and valuable resources throughout your co-op experience.
Co-op students are full-time students while on a co-op work term, meaning you must also pay your UBC fees (e.g., Athletics & Recreation, Health & Dental, Student Society/Union Membership, U-Pass, etc.), in addition to the co-op course fee. Some student fees have opt-out provisions, and you must meet specified eligibility requirements of opt-out of a given fee. The full list of student fees is found in the Academic Calendar (Vancouver | Okanagan).
While on a co-op term, your regular M.Eng. tuition installment will be adjusted so that you are only required to pay the co-op course fee and your regular UBC student fees.
When do I pay my Co-op Course Fee?
The Co-op Course Fee is assessed for each four-month co-op work term you secure, with each work term tied to the corresponding academic term. For example, if you secure an 8-month position from May to December:
- Summer Work Term (May - August) - the Co-op Course Fee is split into two installments, aligning with the two academic terms in the Summer session - half in May (Term 1) and the remainder in July (Term 2).
- Fall Work Term (September - December) - the Co-op Course Fee is charged once in September for Term 1 of the Winter Session.
The Co-op Course Fee is paid through Workday like all other UBC tuition fee payments and must be paid by the due dates specified in the UBC Academic Calendar.
If you don't secure a work term, your are not registered in the co-op course and are not assessed the co-op course fee, and we'll continue to support you in securing your next scheduled work term.
Find out how your Co-op Course Fees are used by visiting our Co-op Fees page.
Co-op Wages
All co-op positions must be paid and meet the minimum wage requirements for the jurisdiction where the position is based. In British Columbia, the minimum wage is $17.40 (as of June 1, 2024). Unpaid work or work not meeting minimum wage requirements will not be eligible as a co-op work term.
Most co-op students earn more than minimum wage. Please refer to our salary page for details on the typical salaries co-op students earn while on a work term.
Support and Resources
After successfully completing the pre-employment training workshops, you will receive a resume and cover letter review. You will have access to the Co-op Program’s exclusive job portal with hundreds of opportunities posted and you can access all resources provided by the Co-op team. When you receive interview requests, you can then book mock interview appointments to prepare for your interview. All graduate co-op students are encouraged to attend the scheduled job search advising and FAQ sessions led by a Co-op Career Advisor, who can answer your questions and provide guidance on the job search.
Co-op Course Requirements
During your work term 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 a Co-op Career Advisor and keep in touch with the Co-op Program for guidance and support.
- Complete Assignment: Finish your co-op 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 work term.
Employers
Our employer partners play a pivotal role in shaping your career journey by providing hands-on, real-world experience. You'll have the opportunity to work with leading organizations across various industries, where employers offer invaluable mentorship, industry insights, and practical skills that complement your academic studies. These positions are designed to challenge you, enhance your professional growth, and help you build a robust network within your field. Our employer partners are committed to supporting your development, ensuring that your co-op experience is both impactful and enriching as you prepare for your future career.
Top Employers
- Amazon
- EMB Management
- Microchip
- Smith + Anderson
- Synopsys
- DemonWare
- Metro Vancouver
- Natural Resources Canada
- Sonicincytes
- Tesla Motors