Interactive Arts & Technology Co-op
Prospective Students
Apply as early as your first year; the sooner, the better. If you're interested in joining the co-op but unsure about meeting our requirements, please contact srycoop@sfu.ca.
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鈥�4 hours) and the Co-op 101: Prep course (7 weeks, 3-5 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes, cover letters and portfolios, 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 Interactive Arts & Technology Student
You must be formally admitted to the Bachelor of Interactive Arts & Technology program, or the Faculty of Communication, Art & Technology Bachelor of Arts Double Minor program with a declared minor in Interactive Arts & Technology, and in good academic standing.
Academic Requirements
- CGPA of at least 2.40
- Intention to complete 3 co-op work terms
- 45 units minimum completed prior to first work term
Have 80 units or more?
Before applying to co-op, please book an appointment with our Surrey Co-op Career Advisor (siatcoad@sfu.ca) to discuss your eligibility for the co-op program.
Students must maintain good academic standing during their seeking term. To remain eligible for positions that may require full-time student status, it is recommended that students enroll in at least 9 units during the seeking term.
Documentation
All students must ensure they have the necessary documents to be legally entitled to work on a co-op term:
- Social Insurance Number. For information about how to obtain SIN, review the 鈥�Applying for a SIN handout鈥� by International Services for Students.
- MSP registration. For information about the medical insurance that students need, including while on a co-op term, review the 大象传媒 Medical Insurance page.
Work Permit for International Students
International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op Work Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to 大象传媒 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.
What鈥檚 Expected of Co-op Students
Participating in a Co-op program requires a significant time commitment. Many Co-op students compare the process of applying for Co-op jobs to taking an extra course. You will be competing with university students from across Canada for these roles. This process includes writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and attending Co-op workshops. It's important to carefully consider these factors before applying.
Co-op opportunities are about discovering what types of work you enjoy and what you do not. We encourage our Co-op students to apply for positions in diverse fields throughout their education. By the time you graduate, you will have developed a better understanding of the work environments that suit you best, all based on real-life work experience.
Co-op Application Fee
As part of enrollment into the 大象传媒 Co-operative Education program, every student who applies must pay the application fee when they first join. Please refer to 大象传媒 Co-op Cost and Deadlines page for more information.