A science student wearing a white lab coat looking into a microscope in a lab

Putting science to work

At the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Science, opportunities for experiential learning are ingrained into our DNA. As the first university to offer co-op, Waterloo has developed partnerships across business and industry to enhance your undergraduate experience.

The Faculty of Science offers 15 undergraduate co-op programs across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, health, and more. As a Science co-op student, you’ll learning from leading scientists in the classroom, and be able to apply your knowledge to hands-on experiences during co-op work terms.

A group of science students posing with their arms crossed in white lab coats in a lab setting at the University of Waterloo.

See how co-op fits into your degree

For most Science students, co-op begins in the second term of the second year. You’ll alternate between four-month academic terms on campus and four-month paid work terms with employers, completing your degree in just under five years.

During your academic terms, you’ll balance coursework with co-op applications and interviews. By graduation, you can gain up to two years of professional work experience! See the chart below for details by Science major.

Study/work sequences

Program F W S F W S F W S F W S F W
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Science and Business 1A 1B OFF 2A WT 2B WT 3A WT 3B WT WT 4A 4B
Biological and Medical Physics, Life Physics, Mathematical Physics, Physics, Physics and Astronomy 1A 1B OFF 2A WT 2B WT WT 3A WT 3B WT 4A 4B
Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy 1A 1B OFF 2A WT 2B 3A WT 3B WT 4A WT 4B  
Materials and Nanosciences 1A 1B OFF 2A WT 2B WT 3A WT WT 3B WT 4A 4B
Psychology 1A 1B OFF 2A 2B WT 3A WT 3B WT 4A WT WT 4B

Legend for study/work sequences chart

Key Description
F,W,S Terms: F=September-December; W=January-April; S=May-August
1,2,3,4 plus A or B Academic year and term.
WT Scheduled work term.
off Neither an academic term nor a work term.
person working on laptop icon
Graduate with up to 2 years of work experience
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Earn a salary to help finance your education
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Discover a variety of career pathways available in your field
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Apply science concepts from the classroom in real-world settings

Explore what Science co-op students have been up to!

  • Co-op student advances exoplanet research

    Waterloo co-op student joins Caltech’s Exoplanet Technology Laboratory.

  • Studying pain at its source

    Biology student contributes to research aiming to address chronic pain.

  • A taste of chemistry in France

    Co-op opportunity brings Waterloo Medicinal Chemistry student to the vineyards of France.

Resources to support your co-op journey

Waterloo’s Professional Development program

The University of Waterloo’s work-integrated learning (WIL) courses are designed to support you in enhancing your professional skills and employability. The courses are in alignment with Waterloo’s Future Ready Talent Framework to help you identify and develop the skills you’ll need as you navigate the future of work. Combined with your academic program, WIL courses ensure you’re ready to excel in the workplace, regardless of your career path! 

The Centre for Career Development

The Centre for Career Development will work with you to develop your resume, polish your interview skills, and help you with your job search. Before your first work term even begins, you will complete Co-op 101, a workshop designed to show you the ropes of the co-op system.

Estimate your earnings

Average salaries vary with your level of education and experience. Explore co-op earnings to see average earnings for Waterloo co-op students from various programs and faculties.

International student support

As an international student you're eligible for Waterloo Science co-op programs (except Science and Financial Management). You'll need to consider the following before arriving on campus as well as throughout your studies at Waterloo:

  • To study in Canada, you must apply for a study permit through a Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission in your home country or country where you have been legally admitted.
  • If you are in a co-op program, you'll also have to apply for a co-op work permit which can be done along your study permit or once you've arrived at the University. The length of your co-op work permit is issued for the length of your study permit. To help you obtain your permits for your five years of study at Waterloo, we suggest that you renew your passport prior to coming to Waterloo. If your passport expires during your studies, you'll have to extend your permits while in Canada.

Access free appointments and support from our Immigration Consultants.