Most students will spend 8 months in school in first year. This is a great chance to get used to university, make friends, and get a solid start in your program. Between May and September after first year, you can work, volunteer, travel – anything you choose.
A typical co-op study-work sequence
As a co-op student, you'll either be in school full time or in a full-time job relating to your program.
| September to December (fall) | January to April (winter) | May to August (spring) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | School | School | Off |
| Second year | School | Co-op | School |
| Third year | Co-op | School | Co-op |
| Fourth year | School | Co-op | School |
| Final year | Co-op | School | Graduate in June |
|
School = 4-month school term, Co-op = 4-month co-op work term |
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For most programs, co-op starts in second year
In many co-op programs, your first work term will be halfway through second year. Some Engineering and Math programs have co-op work terms in first year.
In the term before your first co-op experience, you'll learn about the co-op process and tips for succeeding in co-op. You'll also start applying to jobs and going to interviews.
Programs that start co-op other than halfway through second year
Faculty of Arts
Political Science, Psychology, Sociology: Your first work term is May to August after second year.
Faculty of Environment
Planning: Your first work term is May to August after second year.
Faculty of Science
Psychology: Your first work term is May to August after finish second year.
Faculty of Engineering
| Program | Timing of first work term |
|---|---|
|
Architecture |
January to April of second year |
|
Architectural Engineering, Environmental, Geological, Systems Design |
January to April of first year |
|
Biomedical, Civil, Management, Nanotechnology, Software |
May to August after first year |
| Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics | January to April of first year OR May to August after first year |
Faculty of Mathematics
| Program | Timing of first work term |
|---|---|
|
May to August after first year |
|
There are 3 schedules:
|
|
May to August after first year OR |
