Health Sciences 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 aren't sure whether you meet our requirements, please contact scicoop@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, 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 |
Faculty of Health Sciences Student
The Health Sciences Co-op program is admitting undergraduate students pursing or intending a major or minor in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Academic Requirements
- 2.5 CGPA and 30-80 units completed when applying for Co-op
- Commitment to completing 3 work terms
- Completion of the Co-op Application Form
Please visit the Co-op Student Guide for more information on how to participate within the Co-operative Education Program
Work Permits 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.
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.
At least three additional terms
All undergraduate students are expected to complete at least three work terms, ideally, four, alternating between work and study terms. Students not intending to complete at least three work terms will not be admitted.
Immerse yourself
During the same term you apply for Co-op, you will participate in a professional pre-employment program that includes coaching in resume writing, cover letter preparation, portfolio development, and interview skills.
Stay the course
Remember: only tailored, flawless applications get you shortlisted. Spend the time to create customized documents and you鈥檒l get results.
Don't worry
Don鈥檛 worry if you didn鈥檛 get a job right away. Many students find positions later in the term. Some of the best jobs are posted towards the end of the term.
It's competitive
Getting into the Co-op program does not guarantee work term placement. Students must apply for available positions, while employers choose who to interview and hire.
Plan
Plan to apply two terms prior to your first work term. Apply as early as the first year; the earlier, the better.
Success can be a moving target
Many of our top co-op students do not secure placements in their first term.