Co-operative education at the University of Ottawa allows you to apply concepts learned in class during paid work terms. After about four years of study, you will have not only a diploma that indicates 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. All of these factors will contribute to helping you find a job more easily after graduation.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about CO-OP.
What is CO-OP?
Why choose CO-OP?
- The University of Ottawa CO-OP program has been in existence for nearly 40 years.
- Our program is among the top five in the country.
- CO-OP is offered in 82 programs.
- Available in 68 undergraduate programs and 14 master’s programs
- We maintain regular contact with over 4,000 employers in the public and private sectors across Canada and abroad, resulting in a 97% placement rate in 2018.
- Gain valuable paid work experience in your field of study.
- Develop professional skills and gain a better understanding of the workplace.
- Discover the careers that best suit you by exploring different job opportunities.
- Meet key people in the job market who can be instrumental in you securing a position after you graduate.
- Travel and have unique experiences.
Admission
Academic
Fees
Mobility
Work term
Interviews
Professional Development
Work Term Report
Are you an international student?
Admission
How do I apply for CO-OP?
Undergraduate programs
There are two ways to apply for CO-OP.
- When you apply for admission to the University of Ottawa, submit an application to the CO-OP program of your choice (excluding translation and biomedical sciences programs). In order to be considered, you must have a minimum admission average of:
- 80% if you’re applying directly from high school and are accepted into first year or
- 75% if you’ve completed at least two years of CEGEP.
* Once your CO-OP application has been approved, a spot will be reserved for you. However, you must have the minimum average required in order to be officially accepted into the program.
- Once you’ve started your studies at uOttawa, submit an application to the CO-OP Program via uoZone.
Master’s level
You must have begun your studies at uOttawa before you can apply to a CO-OP program. You must have an average of 75% (B+) or higher to be admitted.
Check the admission requirements and application deadlines as they vary from one discipline to another.
A spot has been reserved for me in CO-OP. Do I have to re-apply once I start my studies?
As soon as you start at the University of Ottawa, Check the COOP 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).
If I don’t have a spot reserved for me in CO-OP, when can I apply?
- 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 Feb 1 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 Feb 1 of their third year.
What happens when I’m on a waiting list for the CO-OP program?
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.
Do I need to maintain a particular average in order to remain in the CO-OP Program?
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 my application was declined because of my average, will I have another chance to get into the CO-OP Program?
- For programs where the first placements takes place in the Summer session:
- If you bring your CGPA up to at least the minimum required for the program by the end of the Fall session, you’ll automatically be placed on a waiting list. If a space opens up and you still meet the admission criteria, your application will be considered for four work terms, starting in the summer and then according to the regular schedule for placements.
- For programs where the first placement takes place in the Winter session:
- If you’re successful in bringing your CGPA up by the end of the Summer session to the minimum required for the program, or higher, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list. If a space opens up and you still meet the admission criteria, your application will then be considered.
If my application was declined because I’m missing one or more prerequisite courses for the program, will I have another chance to get into the CO-OP Program?
If you’re admitted into the CO-OP Program, you must follow specific course and work term sequences and remain enrolled full time in the courses related to your program during the entire sequence. 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.
My first placement will be during the winter term. Should I register in my courses for the winter term if I haven’t received an offer of admission yet (for example, in accounting)?
Admission offers from the University are usually sent out at the end of June. So, you can go ahead and register for your winter courses while waiting for an answer from the CO-OP Office. If you are accepted into CO-OP, simply cancel your registration in the winter courses. If you do cancel your course registration for the winter term, be sure to cancel your course registration before the deadline for paying tuition fees.