The University of Waterloo, which includes St. Jerome's, offers you the most comprehensive work/study experience in the world, with connections to over 3,500 employers worldwide. Waterloo was the first university to offer the co-op system of study, and today more than 60% of our full-time undergraduate students are registered in co-op. In most of our programs you can choose either the co-op or regular system of study. In some programs you choose your system of study when you apply. In others, you apply to the regular program, then indicate your interest in co-op after you've been accepted. By the time you graduate, you'll have up to 2 years of work experience, potential earnings of $33,000 to $71,000, and invaluable career contacts.
International students studying in Canada on a student study permit can apply to co-op programs; however, please be aware that admission is very limited and competition is extremely high.
The co-op system alternates on-campus school terms with off-campus work terms in jobs related to your area of study. Work terms are usually four months long and, in most programs, begin in either the winter or spring term of your first year. In some programs, your first work term won't begin until the winter term of your second year.
UW's co-op program provides up to 2 years of work experience. Because co-op work terms alternate with study terms, classroom learning is integrated with workplace training. Over the course of your degree, you'll have 4 to 6 work terms to try out different careers and build contacts that can lead to employment after graduation.
Click here for an example of the Co-op study/work sequence.
If you choose co-op, the money you'll earn during work terms can help cover the costs of your university education. On average, students earn between $33,000 to $71,000 over the course of their studies. For the past two years, the overall employment rate for our co-op students has been 97%, so your chances of finding employment are excellent. It's in part because of our strong co-op program that a lower percentage of students apply for OSAP at St. Jerome's and the University of Waterloo than at any other university in Ontario. Visit the University of Waterloo's Co-operative Education and Career Services site to see a list of average co-op earnings for Waterloo students.
