Explore careers, earn money, and gain experience through North America's largest co-op program.
Nobody does co-op like the University of Waterloo
4 to 6 co-op work terms
With multiple work terms, you can try different careers to see what you like – or dislike.
Earn $33,000 to $90,000
Make money to help pay for school and gain experience at the same time!
Develop skills for your future
You'll learn how to identify your strengths and develop skills essential for future careers.
Graduate with smaller debt
Waterloo students have smaller student loans and are more successful at paying them back.
A network for your future
Learn to ace job interviews and networking opportunities so you can hit the workforce as a pro.
Choose your program
Co-op is available in most of Waterloo's 100+ programs. You'll typically spend 4 months as a full-time student and then 4 months working in a full-time co-op job relating to your studies.
Choose your experience
Tailor your work experience by the types of jobs you apply to through our network of 7,000 employers who hire Waterloo co-op students.
A Waterloo co-op program takes a year longer to complete than a non-co-op program, but you'll graduate with up to 2 years of paid work experience!
Co-op starts in first or second year
We'll help you apply to the jobs posted by our co-op employers and support you during your work terms. Co-op work terms start in first or second year, depending on your program.
Where do students work?
Most students work in the Waterloo area, Toronto, Ottawa, or elsewhere in Canada, but Silicon Valley and New York City are common destinations for some programs.
Waterloo co-op: "One of the best decisions of my life"
Considering applying to a co-op program? Discover why Nicole, a student who led a national project for Microsoft, says co-op is one of the best decisions of her life.
How does co-op work?
Waterloo's co-op program is a competitive job application process. However, we're here to help! Career advisors can help you with creating a résumé, applying, practising for interviews, and job search strategies – all key skills for your career.
Before your first work term, you'll take a professional development course to guide you through the co-op process. You'll also start applying to jobs and going to interviews while attending classes. You may not land your dream job for your first work term, but working hard and taking the initiative to gain useful skills can set you up for much success in future co-op terms.
