Looking for a bright, motivated student to help on your projects? Look no further than uOttawa co-op students!

Student interviewing virtually
The University of Ottawa is home to the fifth largest co-op program in Canada. We are your best source of bilingual talent in the country. We provide a cost-effective way to hire motivated, qualified employees to assist you during peak periods or for special projects. Mentor a student and unleash the potential of the next generation!
3,600+

Co-op students

4,000+

Employers

What is co-op?

Co-operative education is a three-way partnership between the University, students and employers. Students apply their classroom knowledge to a series of four-month work experiences. You enhance someone's education, while reaping the unique benefits of co-op employment.

The average co-op student GPA is nearly 80%
The co-op program is optional, and students are admitted according to academic achievement. They are closely monitored throughout the academic and work terms, thereby ensuring our employers benefit from the best quality students. You may choose from French-speaking, English-speaking and bilingual students.

Students available all year round
In general, students begin their first work term after completing two years of study. They are available for four-month terms starting in January, May and September. If necessary, you can post 8- or 12-month jobs in certain programs. The hiring process begins four months prior to the start of the work term.

What's in it for you?

Student with server
  • Gain year-round access to well-motivated, qualified employees.
  • Evaluate potential full-time staff in a controlled environment, reducing your costs and risks.
  • Have access to a cost-effective source of temporary employees for peak periods or special projects.
  • Gain input into what students learn.
  • Promote your organization as one that's interested in developing the potential of young people.

Different ways of working with us

Student and employer interviewing

Continuous Hiring Process

Quick and easy recruitment process that occurs until all students are matched. You can enter the placement at your convenience!

student at a computer

Run your own recruitment process

Your process, your deadlines. We help you with the promotion of your positions.

Sarah Paquet Portrait
Testimonial
The university is a great local source of bilingual talent. It is our responsibility, as proud alumni, to support students as they begin this important step towards their career.

Sarah Paquet

— Director / Chief Executive Officer FINTRAC and Deputy Minister University Champion for uOttawa

Financial support and funding opportunities

Join our next information session

Register to a virtual information session to learn about the details, key dates and best practices to help with your recruitment efforts during the placement process, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Sessions typically occur at the start of each term (January, May and September). Once registered, you will receive a link by email before the event to participate in the information session.

Campus during summer
May 20

Co-op Employer Info Session - Hiring for Fall 2026

11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Learn everything you need to know for the Fall 2026 placement process.

Co-op Stories

A collage of the seven 2025 Co-op Student of the Year Award winners.
Student life

2025 Co-op Student of the Year Awards

A co-op placement is more than a work experience. It’s often a defining step in a student’s academic and professional journey. It’s an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real workplace, build confidence and develop skills that shape what comes next. For employers, co-op students also make a meaningful difference, bringing fresh perspectives, a strong work ethic and valuable contributions to teams and projects.

teaching
Career and experiential learning 

Celebrating outstanding co-op employers

University of Ottawa co-op students have the chance to recognize employers who have truly made a difference in their professional growth. This year’s nominations celebrate supervisors and teams that provided exceptional mentorship, offered meaningful work, ensured thoughtful onboarding and fostered a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We’re proud to highlight these co-op employers, who’ve earned this honour from the very students whose learning and development they supported throughout the work term.

Contact us

Co-operative Education Programs

55 Laurier Avenue East, 3rd floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5
Canada
Tel.: 613-562-5741

Interested in hiring?
Contact our team or advertise your job by posting a description on our CO-OP Navigator.

Office hours

September 1 to May 31
8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June 1 to August 31
8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.