Arts & Social Sciences Co-op
Prospective Students
As a student, you have goals, priorities, and plans, with many different ways to achieve them. If you believe Co-op might be right for you, here鈥檚 what you need to know about joining the program.
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, 2鈥�3 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes and cover letters, 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 |
Arts & Social Sciences Undergraduate Students
- Open to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (either undeclared or declared majors).
- You are a full-time student (minimum of 9 course units)
- You鈥檙e ready to commit to 3 work terms before you graduate
Academic Requirements
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA):
Undergrads - 2.4 or above. Students must maintain the minimum requirement of 2.4 CGPA to pursue a Co-op job search.
Masters - 3.0 or above.
Transfer students who don鈥檛 yet have an SFU CGPA may apply in their first semester at SFU, but must obtain the minimum requirement of 2.4 CGPA to pursue a Co-op job search. - Unit Hours: Recommend to apply after completing 30 units, but before reaching 75 units 鈥� the key is to have enough academics to be able to complete at least 3 co-op work terms.
- More than 74 units (including any current units in progress): please complete a , and email it to accoop@sfu.ca. If your plan is approved you will be encouraged to apply for Arts Co-op.
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 SFU 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.
Arts & Social Sciences Masters Students
Master's students should attend the information session offered through their department in early to mid-September and apply before the September 21, 2025, deadline.
The majority of Master's Co-op students complete a summer work term; however, if your program is flexible and longer than one year, you may want to consider alternate timing. Connect with us to discuss!
In the Master's Co-op program, students typically complete only one work term; however, some students pursue a second Co-op term, depending on the length of their academic program.
At the Master's level, the Arts & Social Sciences Co-op program is available in:
- Public Policy
- Economics
- International Studies
- Political Science
- and Urban Studies.
All undergraduate students must be able to commit to completing three work terms, and Master's students must commit to a minimum of one work term. Some undergraduate students decide to do four or five work terms before they graduate, and in some cases Masters students can complete two work terms.
Students should alternate between work and study semesters. Work terms are usually four or eight months in length, with an eight month co-op counting as two work terms.
Occasionally, students may not secure a Co-op job in a particular term. Don't get discouraged - some of the best Arts Co-op students didn鈥檛 find jobs right away. Also, some of our best Co-op opportunities are posted in the last few weeks of the term. Students are also encouraged to conduct their own student-developed work search with support from their Co-op Coordinator.
Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a Co-op work term. Students need to actively apply for posted positions, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
Searching for a Co-op work term is a lot like taking an extra course. Writing cover letters, meeting deadlines, researching organizations, and preparing for and attending interviews takes significant planning, time and effort 鈥� but it鈥檚 worth it.
Expect to have FUN too! Not only is a Co-op term a welcome break from school, the Arts staff team are here to help you along the way 鈥� that means everything from resume feedback, practice interviews, career consultations and check ins during your work terms. There are also great ways for Arts Co-op alumni to stay involved and connected with the program.
Have more questions?
- FAQs About Co-op
- Drop-in with a Co-op advisor: If you are a new Co-op student or have general questions about the Arts Co-op program, visit the Arts Co-op advisor Zoom drop-in.