Hire a co-op student anytime!
Our co-op program runs year-round. So, our students are always available to hire for work terms that last four or eight months. We’ll help you find the right student for your organization on your recruiting timeline. This table outlines the typical hiring dates for each work term:
| Co-op work terms: | When to hire: |
|---|---|
| Winter 2024 (January 8 - April 26, 2024) | September - December 2023 |
| Spring 2024 (May 6 - August 23, 2024) | January - April 2024 |
| Fall 2024 (September 3 - December 20, 2024) | May - August 2024 |
About our co-op hiring cycles
The easiest way to hire a co-op student is to post a job through our recruitment system, WaterlooWorks. Post your job on the Full-Cycle Service job board to follow our hiring cycles. A hiring cycle refers to the time allocated for posting your job, reviewing applications, interviewing students, ranking candidates and matching with a student.
Cycles 1-2:
- Longer cycles of 3-4 weeks with defined dates to post jobs, conduct interviews and rank students.
- On the final days of cycles 1-2, employers are matched with students based on how they ranked each other.
- Designed to give employers and students more time for decision-making, as they can consider multiple options when ranking.
Cycles 3-6:
- Shorter cycles where employers can post jobs daily. These cycles are designed for speed and flexibility with all the steps happening within a few days.
- Three business days after you post your job, applications are ready for review. You can schedule interviews Tuesdays to Thursdays. Matches happen on Fridays.
Direct offer phase:
- After cycles 1-6, you can continue to hire by making direct offers to students.
- In this direct offer phase, you can post jobs on WaterlooWorks and arrange interviews on your own.
- The rank/match process is not used. Contact your service team for support.
Full-Cycle Service co-op hiring dates
January - April 2024 | Winter work term
Suggested work term dates: January 8 - April 26, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? 
Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Cycle | Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | By Sept. 13 | Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. | Sept. 22 - Oct. 4 | Oct. 5 at 12 p.m. | Oct. 6 |
| Cycle 2 | Sept. 14 - Oct. 11 | Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. | Oct. 20 - Nov. 1 | Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. |
Nov. 3 |
| Cycle 3 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Nov. 14 - 16 | Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. |
Nov. 17 |
| Cycle 4 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Nov. 21 - 23 | Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. |
Nov. 24 |
| Cycle 5 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Nov. 28 - 30 | Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. |
Dec. 1 |
| Cycle 6 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Dec. 5 - 7 | Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. |
Dec. 8 |
| Direct offers | Begins Dec. 11 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer sent directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- October 9: No interviews/University closed (Thanksgiving holiday).
- October 10 - 13: No interviews (Reading week)
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
May - August 2024 | Spring/Summer work term
Suggested work term dates: May 6 - August 23, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Cycle | Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | By Jan. 10 | Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. | Jan. 22 - Feb. 7 | Feb. 8 at 12 p.m. | Feb. 9 |
| Cycle 2 | Jan. 11 - Feb. 13 | Feb. 16 at 11:59 p.m. | Feb. 28 - Mar. 6 | Mar. 7 at 12 p.m. | Mar. 8 |
| Cycle 3 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Mar. 19 - 21 | Mar. 21 at 8 p.m. | Mar. 22 |
| Cycle 4 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Mar. 26 - 27 | Mar. 27 at 8 p.m. | Mar. 28 |
| Cycle 5 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Apr. 2 - 4 | Apr. 4 at 8 p.m. | Apr. 5 |
| Cycle 6 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Apr. 9 - 11 | Apr. 11 at 8 p.m. | Apr. 12 |
| Direct offers | Begins Apr. 15 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- February 19: No interviews/University closed (Family day holiday).
- February 20 - 23: No interviews (Reading week).
- March 29: No interviews/University closed (Good Friday holiday).
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
September - December | 2024 Fall work term
Suggested work term dates: September 3 - December 20, 2024
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Cycle | Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | By May 8 |
May 14 at 9 a.m. | May 21 - June 5 | June 6 at 12 p.m. | June 7 |
| Cycle 2 | May 9 - June 12 | June 18 at 9 a.m. | June 24 - July 5* | July 8 at 12 p.m. | July 9 |
| Cycle 3 | June 13 - June 30 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting July 10) | July 16 - 18 | July 18 at 8 p.m. | July 19 |
| Cycle 4 | June 13 - June 30 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting July 10) | July 23 - 25 | July 25 at 8 p.m. | July 26 |
| Cycle 5 | June 13 - June 30 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting July 10) | July 30 - Aug. 1 | Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. | Aug. 2 |
| Direct offers | Begins August 6 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- May 20: No interviews/University closed (Victoria day holiday).
- *July 1: No interviews/University closed (Canada day holiday).
- August 5: No interviews/University closed (Civic day holiday).
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
Architecture Full-Cycle Service co-op hiring dates
January - April 2024 | Winter work term
Suggested work term dates: January 8 - April 26, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Cycle | Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 2 | Sept. 14 - Oct. 11 | Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. | Oct. 20 - Nov. 1 | Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. |
Nov. 3 |
| Cycle 3 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Nov. 14 - 16 | Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. |
Nov. 17 |
| Cycle 4 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Nov. 21 - 23 | Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. |
Nov. 24 |
| Cycle 5 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Nov. 28 - 30 | Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. |
Dec. 1 |
| Cycle 6 | Oct. 12 - Nov. 28 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Nov. 8) | Dec. 5 - 7 | Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. |
Dec. 8 |
| Direct offers | Begins Dec. 11 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer sent directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- October 9: No interviews/University closed (Thanksgiving holiday).
- October 10 - 13: No interviews (Reading week)
- If you wish to interview both Architectural Engineering and Architecture students, please contact your Hiring Process Support through the WaterlooWorks dashboard.
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
May - August 2024 | Spring/Summer work term
Suggested work term dates: May 6 - August 23, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Cycle | Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 2 | By Feb. 13 | Feb. 16 at 11:59 p.m. | Feb. 28 - Mar. 6 | Mar. 7 at 12 p.m. | Mar. 8 |
| Cycle 3 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Mar. 19 - 21 | Mar. 21 at 8 p.m. | Mar. 22 |
| Cycle 4 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Mar. 26 - 27 | Mar. 27 at 8 p.m. | Mar. 28 |
| Cycle 5 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Apr. 2 - 4 | Apr. 4 at 8 p.m. | Apr. 5 |
| Cycle 6 | Feb. 14 - Apr. 2 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting Mar. 13) | Apr. 9 - 11 | Apr. 11 at 8 p.m. | Apr. 12 |
| Direct offers | Begins Apr. 15 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- February 19: No interviews/University closed (Family day holiday).
- February 20 - 23: No interviews (Reading week).
- March 29: No interviews/University closed (Good Friday holiday).
- If you wish to interview both Architectural Engineering and Architecture students, please contact your Hiring Process Support through the WaterlooWorks dashboard.
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
September - December 2024 | Fall work term
Suggested work term dates: September 3 - December 20, 2024
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Cycle | Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 2 | May 9 - June 12 | June 18 at 9 a.m. | June 24 - July 5* | July 8 at 12 p.m. | July 9 |
| Cycle 3 | June 13 - June 30 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting July 10) | July 16 - 18 | July 18 at 8 p.m. | July 19 |
| Cycle 4 | June 13 - June 30 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting July 10) | July 23 - 25 | July 25 at 8 p.m. | July 26 |
| Cycle 5 | June 13 - June 30 | at 9 a.m. on the 3rd business day after job is posted (starting July 10) | July 30 - Aug. 1 | Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. | Aug. 2 |
| Direct offers | Begins August 6 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- May 20: No interviews/University closed (Victoria day holiday).
- *July 1: No interviews/University closed (Canada day holiday).
- August 5: No interviews/University closed (Civic day holiday).
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
Pharmacy Full-Cycle Service co-op hiring dates
January - April 2024 | Winter work term
Suggested work term dates: January 8 - April 26, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | By Sept. 5 | Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. | Sept. 20 (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.) *see alternative dates below |
Sept. 25 at 12 p.m. | Sept. 27 |
| Direct offers | Begins Sept. 28 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer sent directly to student |
Important notes
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next cycle's match.
- Cycle 1 alternative interview dates:
- September 18 (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
- September 19 (4 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
- September 21 (8 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
- September 22 (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
- October 9: No interviews/University closed (Thanksgiving holiday).
- October 10 - 13: No interviews (Reading week)
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
May - August 2024 | Spring/Summer work term
Suggested work term dates: May 6 - August 23, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | By Jan. 2 | Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. | Jan. 18 (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.) *see alternative dates below |
Jan. 22 at 12 p.m. | Jan. 24 |
| Cycle 2 | Jan. 3 - 25 | Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. | Feb. 5 - 7 (see available times for each interview day below) |
Feb. 8 at 12 p.m. | Feb. 9 |
| Direct offers | Begins Feb. 12 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer directly to student |
Important note
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next match's cycle.
- Cycle 1 alternative interview dates:
- January 15 (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
- January 16 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 - 7 p.m.)
- January 17 (4 - 7 p.m.)
- January 19 (8 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 - 7 p.m.)
- Cycle 2 interview dates and times:
- February 5 (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
- February 6 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 - 7 p.m.)
- February 7 (4 - 7 p.m.)
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
September - December 2024 | Fall work term
Suggested work term dates: September 3 - December 20, 2024 (work terms can range from 12 - 16 weeks)
Recruiting schedule for our Full-Cycle Service job board
Viewing on mobile? Turn your device horizontal for optimal viewing.
| Submit job posting | Applications available for review (ET) | Interviews | Submit rankings by (ET) | Match results available by end of day (ET) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | By April 30 | May 7 at 9 a.m. | May 15 (8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.) *see alternative dates below |
May 21 at 12 p.m. | May 22 |
| Cycle 2 | By May 23 | May 28 at 9 a.m. | June 3 - 5 | June 6 | June 7 |
| Direct offers | Begins June 10 | 3 business days after job is posted | Contact students directly to schedule interviews | No rankings will be made | Offer directly to student |
Important note
- Rankings that are submitted late will automatically be included in the next match's cycle.
- Cycle 1 alternative interview dates:
-
May 13 (8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
-
May 14 (8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
-
May 16 (8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
-
May 17 (9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
-
- May 20: No interviews/University closed (Victoria day holiday).
- *July 1: No interviews/University closed (Canada day holiday).
- August 5: No interviews/University closed (Civic day holiday).
- Your service team is here to help at any point, including direct offers.
If our hiring cycle timelines are not suited for your recruitment needs, post on our Employer-Student Direct job board.
Employer-Student Direct co-op hiring dates
Use the Employer-Student Direct job board to hire co-op students flexibly outside of Waterloo’s hiring cycles.
- Post jobs for any term, even in advance (not limited to the upcoming term).
- Jobs are posted for two weeks (unless otherwise specified) and applications are not collected in WaterlooWorks.
- Contact students directly to schedule and host interviews (not in WaterlooWorks).
- Manage offers directly with students.
- Contact your service team if a student accepts your offer. Students need to submit a form for co-op credit.
- Some students may not be available based on their academic schedules.
Graduating students and alumni hiring dates
- Employers can recruit Waterloo alumni year-round.
- Use the Graduating and Full-Time job board on WaterlooWorks.
- WaterlooWorks will keep jobs posted for two weeks. Candidates will apply and interview directly with the employer.
- Interview timelines in spring 2024: May 6 - July 30, 2024
- Interview timelines in fall 2024: September 4 - December 3, 2024
Contract, part-time and volunteer hiring dates
- Employers can recruit Waterloo students year-round for contract, part-time, volunteer and summer positions.
- Use the Contract, Part-Time and Volunteer job board on WaterlooWorks.
- WaterlooWorks will keep jobs posted for two weeks. Candidates will apply and interview directly with the employer.