Prospective Students
Co-op offers the opportunity to try out different areas within the communication industry. Through working with your Co-op Coordinators, you’ll be coached to develop job search tools and transition into the workplace. On the job, you’ll be paid by your employer while learning hands-on skills. Plan your degree to alternate between work terms and study terms, and graduate with at least one year of relevant work experience. Building your skills and creating a professional network will enhance your opportunities for landing a job post-graduation.
Students interested in the co-op program should apply two terms prior to their desired work term, ideally when they have between 30 and 80 credit hours. Starting your application early improves your chances of approval and ensures you're fully prepared for your co-op experience.
We offer two opportunities each term to begin the program (please refer to the table below). Once accepted, new students must complete Co-op 100: Orientation (3–4 hours) and the Co-op 101: Prep course (7 weeks, 2–3 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes and cover letters, along with coaching from your faculty's Co-op Career Advisors.
After completing these courses and fulfilling all Prep term requirements, you will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs in the following term. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a Co-op work term. Students need to apply for posted positions actively, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
Please note that you are expected to complete three co-op work terms before graduating. It is important to know that you cannot graduate while on a co-op term. Successful completion of the program will earn you a Co-op designation on your final transcript.
Work in Summer 2026 | Work in Fall 2026 | Work in Spring 2027 | |
---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline | September 1 OR October 19, 2025 | January 4 OR February 22, 2026 | May 10 OR June 28, 2026 |
New Student Term Co-op 100: Orientation Co-op 101: Prep |
Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
Seeking Term (Applying for jobs) |
Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
School of Communication Students
- Pursuing or intending a major or minor in Communication.
- CMNS 110 and 130 completed or in progress.
- CMNS 120 completed prior to first work term*.
*If you were declared into CMNS in Fall 2021 or earlier, CMNS 120 is not required for Co-op.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate Students
- Registered as a full-time undergraduate student (minimum of 9 units)
- CGPA of 2.4 minimum
- Less than 80 units* - ideally between 24 and 70 units
*If you have more than 80 units (including any current units in progress), please complete a Work/Study plan and email it to accoop@sfu.ca. If your plan is approved, you will be encouraged to apply to Communication Co-op.
Graduate Students:
- Grad students will need approval from their grad supervisor and should book an appointment with a Co-op Coordinator to discuss their interest and plan by emailing accoop@sfu.ca.
Work Permits (International Students)
International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Co-op jobs. Once accepted into the Co-op program, you will be issued a letter to include in your work permit application. We recommend applying for the work permit as early as possible, as can be lengthy.
If you have any questions at any point, please reach out to the Communication Co-op team. After submitting your application, our team will respond within ten business days regarding your acceptance into the program.