Discover the co-op advantage at the University of Waterloo

Written By: Helena, International Communications Associate and co-op student

Students come to Waterloo not only for our highly innovative programs, but also for our thriving co-operative education. Waterloo’s co-op program will help you acquire practical work skills whilst earning a degree, as you alternate between 4-month terms study and work terms, right up until graduation.

In this, the world’s largest post-secondary co-operative program, you can engage in meaningful work placements, bridging academic studies and personal goals. Many resources are available to help you excel in today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven economy and borderless workplace.

With an entire building dedicated to co-op, it’s no wonder that on average 95% of students are employed each term. Over 4,500 co-op employers worldwide, including Google, Disney, and Toyota, come to Waterloo to hire our students. Would you like to work for one of the world’s leading corporations? Waterloo is the place to do it.

Zohair Mazhar, a Mechanical Engineering student who just completed his third work term in Munich, Germany, says,“Waterloo gave me the opportunity [to] graduate with actual work experience.”

In fact, co-op allows you to gain up to 2 years paid work experience and potentially earn between CAD $46,500 - $80,000 by the time you graduate. Not only does this enable you to pay your tuition, resulting in smaller loans, you may even be able to line up a job after graduation.

If you want to stand out from the crowd with actual work experience while earning a degree, Waterloo is the place for you.