Applying to co-op

The University of Ottawa's co-op program offers distinct advantages compared to typical high school co-op programs.

Some of the most notable differences:

• You will follow a specific sequence which will alternate study terms with four, eight, or twelve-month work terms. Specific sequences differ from program to program.
• You work in an area directly related to your field of study.
• You earn a salary during your work terms.
• You have to submit a report at the end of each placement.

As soon as you start at the University of Ottawa, Check the CO-OP Navigator to ensure you are listed in co-op. If you aren’t, please contact the co-op office right away.

What do I need to do to keep my spot in the co-op program?

In most programs, you have to maintain an average of 80% (8.0) or higher in your first year (or in your first and second year for programs where the first placement will be in your third year). You must subsequently remain in good academic standing (as determined by the requirements of your program).

• In master’s programs, students must apply before September 30 of their first year.
• In most undergraduate programs, students must apply before September 30 of their second year.
• In accounting, physics, biomedical science and biopharmaceutical science programs, students must apply before April 30 of their second year.
• In biotechnology, chemistry and translation programs, students must apply before September 30 of their third year.
• In data science and the integrated physics and electrical engineering programs, students must apply before April 30 of their third year.

It depends on how many credits you need to complete once you’re granted equivalences for your prior studies and on whether you’ll be able to follow the required work-study sequence for your program. In addition to having the necessary grade point average, usually you’ll have to have completed a certain number of compulsory courses before doing a work term and have enough courses still to complete so that you retain full-time status in the remaining study sessions of the work-study sequence. Should you have any question regarding your courses, please contact your faculty.

We review your application to see what your marks are in the current session. Depending on whether your CGPA has increased or decreased, we may change your position on the waiting list. Be aware, however, that a limited number of co-op students are accepted into each program. Your position on the waiting list may also change as a result of the number of applications we receive.

Yes. If your average drops below the minimum required to stay in the co-op program (usually a CGPA of 6.0 for undergraduate programs and 7.0 for master’s programs), you’ll have two sessions to bring your average back up before you may be asked to withdraw from the program. In order to obtain a co-op attestation on your diploma, you must finish your degree with an average equal to or higher than the admission average.

If the change involves programs in the same faculty, usually there’s no problem. However, if the change involves different faculties, your first work term may be delayed. If you do decide to change programs, make sure you check the compulsory course and admission requirements of your new program very carefully.

For programs where the first work term takes place in the Summer session:

• If you raise your CGPA up to the minimum required for the program by the end of the Winter session prior to your first work term, you can make the request to be placed on a waiting list. If a space opens up and you meet the admission criteria, your application will be evaluated.

If you’re missing any prerequisite courses, you won’t be able to follow the mandatory sequence and can’t be admitted at another time.