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New Students

Documentation

All students must ensure they have the necessary documents to be legally entitled to work on a Co-op term:

International students: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents apply for a Co-op work permit in order to be eligible to work off campus in a full time position. This is different than a Study Permit. For instructions on how to apply and what the processing times are, review the "Apply for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit" pge by International Services for Students (ISS).

The Co-op office must have a copy of your valid co-op work permit prior to students being released to apply for Co-op positions.

Co-op Timeline

A student’s co-op timeline is determined by the term that they are admitted into the MSE program. For example, students following the 4-year curriculum will begin preparing for co-op in the fall term of year 2. Ideally students should have completed 75 units by their first co-op work term.

Orientation

Upon a student’s admission into the MSE program they are automatically enrolled in the Co-op program (co-op application fee applies) and receive an invitation to join the Surrey Co-op 100: Orientation Canvas course. This self-paced, online Canvas course covers essential information about the Co-op program process, success strategies, and details about your participation in the program.

Preparation

As a student enters their second year of the MSE program they will automatically be enrolled (as per the 4-year program plan) in the Surrey Co-op 101: Preparation Canvas course (7 weeks, 3-5 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes, cover letters and interviews, along with coaching from your faculty's Co-op Career Advisors. 

After successfully completing the Surrey Co-op 101: Preparation course and fulfilling all of the requirements, students will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs in the following term. Co-op work terms are not guaranteed. Students need to apply for posted positions actively, and employers determine who to interview and hire. 

Please note that students are required to

  • complete a minimum of three co-op work terms 

  • complete two co-op work terms prior to the Capstone course (prerequisite)

  • must graduate on an academic term, not a co-op work term

Successful completion of three co-op work terms earns the co-op designation on the degree parchment.