About Co-operative Education

The University of Waterloo operates the largest post secondary co-op program of its kind in the world.

Waterloo is a model of co-operative education, which has spread to more than 100 colleges and universities across Canada.

Breadth and depth:

• 17,300 co-op students enrolled over three semesters in more than 120 programs.
• 4,500 employers hire Waterloo co-op students.

Co-operative Education & Career Action:

Co-operative Education & Career Action (CECA) manages the co-operative education system and career-related services for the University of Waterloo. 

CECA staff liaise with students, employers, alumni, and the uWaterloo faculties and departments to promote and facilitate employment opportunities.

What is Co-operative (co-op) Education?

Co-operative education combines academic studies with work experience. Co-op allows you to gain up to two years of relevant work experience. 

Academic terms alternate with work terms forming study/work sequences. Study/work sequences vary between programs and cohorts. Please view study/work sequences to learn more. 

Goals of Waterloo’s Co-operative Education

• Actively support you through the job search process, during the work term, and following your work term.
• Work with you, employers, alumni, and uWaterloo faculties and departments to determine employment needs and opportunities.
• Recruit relevant and high-quality employers.
• Provide high-quality service to meet your needs.
• Offer career guidance to co-op students.
• Improve the co-op system and employment process.

Accreditation

uWaterloo is a member of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE). Our accredited co-op program meets the following criteria:

• Each job is approved by Co-operative Education.
• You’re engaged in productive work rather than just observing.
• You receive some form of remuneration for your work.
• Your progress is monitored by Co-operative Education.
• Your performance is evaluated by your employer.
• The total amount of co-op experience totals 50% of the time spent in academic study, and no less than 30%.

Learn more about Co-operative Education at Waterloo

• Discover our mission and vision to learn more about how we work to serve you.
• Learn about our co-op programs.
• Learn about our experienced team of people who make co-op happen and support you through the employment process.