Co-op
Source: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/career-experiential-learning/coop
Apply concepts you learn in class through paid work terms. You’ll get not just a degree showing that you participated in a co-op program but also approximately 16 months of experience in your field of study and a network of valuable contacts.
90+
programs
4000+
employers
Benefits
Find a job more easily thanks to the experience and skills you gain through co-op placements. You can:
- gain paid work experience in your field of study
- develop professional skills
- find your career match by exploring different job opportunities
- meet people who can help you break into the job market after you graduate
- travel for work and have unique experiences
Programs
The co-op option is available in four-year undergraduate programs (honours with specialization, double major and major with minor) and in some master’s programs.
For undergraduates, in most cases, your first work term takes place during the summer after your second year. From then on, your placements and study terms alternate until the end of your program. You must submit a report at the end of each placement.
Typical co-op sequence
| Year | Fall | Winter | Spring-Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Studies | Studies | - |
| 2 | Studies | Studies | Work 1 |
| 3 | Studies | Work 2 | Studies |
| 4 | Work 3 | Studies | Work 4 |
| 5 | Studies | - | - |
The University of Ottawa’s co-op program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada.
Types of employers
Depending on your program, you can do placements with many types of employers, including private businesses, federal government departments, municipal and provincial government offices, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, Crown corporations, NGOs and high-tech companies.
Depending on your preferences, you can take part in placement opportunities locally, across Canada or abroad.
Did you know that it is also possible to your develop entrepreneurial skills through entrepreneurship internships and co-op placements with the Loh Entrepreneurship Experience Scholarship.
Active uOttawa students can apply through the CO-OP Navigator.
Apply through the CO-OP Portal
Workshops
Workshops are part of all accredited co-op programs. They’re critical to your success, and you must attend all of them.
Co-op Awards
Nominate a co-op student
Each year, one co-op student per faculty receives a Student of the Year Award.
Nominate a co-op employer
Each year, four awards will be given out to selected co-op employers who have provided an exceptional student work-term experience, based on student n…
Contact us
Co-operative Education Programs
Desmarais Building\ 55 Laurier Avenue East, 3rd floor\ Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5\ Canada\ Tel.: 613-562-5741\ Fax: 613-562-5108\ [email protected]
Office hours
September 1 to May 31\ 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
June 1 to August 31\ 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.