Co-op for prospective students
Through the paid science co-op program, you can put money back into your pocket while you obtain your degree, gain practical skills and training and explore a world of opportunity.
On this page
What is Science Co-op?
Overview
Co-op education relies upon a three-way partnership between students, employers and the University. The Science Co-op education program is a professional development program in which you alternate regular academic terms with paid, full-time employment in your area of study. It is an excellent way to add to your classroom learning with on-the-job experience. As an undergraduate student, it can help you choose the career areas you may want to pursue after graduation.
Benefits
Are you interested in applying to Science Co-op? We look forward to having you join us!
Science Co-op schedule
With the Science Co-op option, regular 4-year programs are completed over 5 years to allow you to complete a minimum of 3 or a maximum of 4 Work Terms. Each Work Term is completed within 4 months beginning in January, May or September. Students must successfully complete the equivalent of 3 Work Terms to receive the co-op designation on their degree.
Computer Science Co-op schedule
The following table represents the schedule for Computer Science students who enter Co-op in September of their third year and participate in their first Co-op work term in January. This is referred to as a “regular stream”.
| Academic schedule | Fall (Sept-Dec) | Winter (Jan-Dec) | Summer (May-Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 3 | Study Term - 3A | Work Term 1 | Study Term - 3B |
| Year 4 | Work Term 2 | Study Term - 4A | Work Term 3 |
| Year 5 | Final Study Term - 4B |
There are a variety of reasons why Co-op students may not follow this schedule. Here are two situations that might find students “out-of-stream”:
- Students seeking a joint Honours Degree can normally only participate in Summer Work Terms. If you are a Joint Honours Student, please contact us at scicoop@umanitoba.ca as soon as you have declared your major.
- The process and timing for applications and admission differ for students enrolled in any of the Joint Honours programs, we will advise you of the appropriate next steps based on your circumstances.
Please note that all international students admitted to Science Co-op will be deferred by one Term and have a Summer Term start. This is to allow adequate time for the application and obtainment of the Co-op Work Permit which is required for every international student who is successfully admitted to Science Co-op.
Computational Sciences, and Life and Physical Sciences Co-op schedule
There are 2 basic schedules Co-op students in Computational Sciences, and Life and Physical Sciences can choose to alternate their Academic and Co-op Work Terms.
Winter start
| Academic schedule | Fall (Sept-Dec) | Winter (Jan-Apr) | Summer (May-Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 3 | Academic Term | Work Term 1 | Work Term 2 |
| Year 4 | Academic Term | Academic Term | Work Term 3 |
| Year 5 | Final Academic Term | Graduate |
Summer Start, recommended to Psychology and international students
| Academic schedule | Fall (Sept-Dec) | Winter (Jan-Apr) | Summer (May-Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 3 | Academic Term | Academic Term | Work Term 1 |
| Year 4 | Work Term 2 | Academic Term | Work Term 3 |
| Year 5 | Final Academic Term | Graduate |
Students must begin on an Academic Term and must maintain a full-time course load during their Academic Term.
Alternate scheduling is available in consultation with your coordinator.
Science Co-op job placement
Work-term placements are with private companies, industries, government departments, non-government organizations and universities, and may be local, national or international.
Co-op employers may be carrying out research and development or delivering programs in the following industries.
- Agriculture or crop breeding and development
- Analytical chemistry
- Food safety
- Fermentation
- Oil and gas processing
- Environmental toxicology
- Wildlife conservation
- Habitat studies
- Ecological restoration or monitoring
- Species recovery or species at risk
- Fisheries or aquatic ecosystems
- entomology
- Environmental assessment
- Medicine
- Computer science and information systems
- Software development
- Data and analytics
- Network security
- eCommerce
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning
- Banking
- Insurance
- Public health
- Genetics
- Pharmaceuticals
Who is Science Co-op for?
Science Co-op is available for students in the following undergraduate 4-year degree programs:
Computer Science
- Computer Science (Major, Honours)
- Joint Honours with Computer Science
- Computer Science and Mathematics Joint Honours
- Computer Science and Physics and Astronomy Joint Honours
- Computer Science and Statistics Joint Honours
Computational Sciences
- Data Science (Major)
- Mathematics (Major, Honours, Double Honours)
- Applied Mathematics (Major)
- Computer Science Option (Major)
- Economics Option (Major)
- Statistics Option (Major)
- Physics & Astronomy (Major, Honours)
- Statistics (Major, Honours)
- Statistics – Mathematics Joint Honours
Life and Physical Sciences
- Biochemistry (Major, Honours)
- Biological Sciences (Major, Honours)
- Chemistry (Major, Honours)
- Genetics (Major, Honours)
- Microbiology (Major, Honours)
- Psychology (Major)
Eligibility
To apply, students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a full-time student in one of the above programs.
- Have completed the majority of 2nd-year course degree requirements.
- Please note that Computer Science Co-op students must have all of the second-year required courses completed by the end of the Winter Term in their application year.
- For a detailed list of courses, please refer to the University of Manitoba’s Academic Calendar.
- Be between 54 and 90 credit hours at the end of fall term in the application year.
- Have a minimum of 30 credit hours remaining in their program of study before the beginning of the first work term.
- Be able to start and end on an academic term, while maintaining full-time studies, during their academic terms while in Co-op.
- Have a minimum GPA:
- 2.50 for all Major programs (except Psychology, for which 3.00 is required).
- 3.00 for all Honours programs.
Students are advised that satisfying the entrance requirements does not guarantee a place in Science Co-op. Enrollment is limited and acceptance is based on academic performance, availability of co-op work positions and completion of a successful intake interview. Science Co-op reserves the right to determine and select the best-qualified applicants for admission into the program.
Students must be in full-time studies to enter and continue in the Science Co-op.
Students who have special circumstances and may not be sure whether they are eligible for Science Co-op should contact us via email at Science.Co-op@umanitoba.ca.
International students
International students are welcome to apply for Co-op. If accepted into the co-op program, international students must follow the steps below:
- Apply for a co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This permit allows international students to participate in off-campus cooperative education employment.
- Request a letter from the co-op office detailing the conditions of their co-op participation and employment. This letter will ask that the co-op work permit be valid until the completion of all three co-op work terms. It must be included in the above application package.
- Submit the entire package immediately to IRCC. Check the IRCC website for information on how to submit the application and the processing times.
- Students must have a valid study permit to apply for a co-op work permit.
There is no fee for the co-op work permit application within internship or co-op programs. International students may contact or see an advisor at the International Centre for co-op work permit-related questions.
A copy of the co-op work permit must be submitted to both the work term employer and the co-op office prior to the commencement of the work term.
Please note that international students will not be eligible to apply for positions with Canadian federal departments and agencies requiring secret security clearance within the federal government.
Information sessions
Near the end of March each year, there will be an information session for 2nd year students, presented by the Computer Science Co-op team. The session will include general program information as well as an overview of the application process, including the deadline date.
Please check back in the Winter Term for information sessions in 2025.
How to apply
After determining your eligibility, you may apply based on your program.
Computer Science
Information sessions
Near the end of March each year, there will be an information session for 2nd year students, presented by the Computer Science Co-op team. The session will include general program information as well as an overview of the application process, including the deadline date.
Timeline
The Computer Science Co-op intake process, for Major and Honours Students, occurs only once per year. Students should apply at the end of their 2nd year of study in April.
Application process
- Ensure your eligibility.
- Interested students are encouraged to complete the application form during the application period, typically during the Winter Term.
- The application requires a current resume and an unofficial web transcript from Aurora. Please include all work and volunteer experience on your resume, even if it is not Computer Science related.
- If you are selected to move forward to the next step of the intake process, the Co-op Office will contact you, via email, to sign up for an intake interview. The interviews will be held in spring or summer.
- Following the interview, you will receive access to an online application in UMConnect. This is the final step in the process. A deadline for the online application will be provided to you upon completion of the interview.
- Announcements will be sent to all students, via email, stating the outcome of their application. This communication will be sent in early August. Students who have been accepted into the program will receive an invitation to an orientation meeting, where complete details regarding the Co-op Program will be presented.
Please note that incomplete submissions will result in a declined application.
If you are a Joint Honours Student, please contact us at scicoop@umanitoba.ca as soon as you’ve declared your major. The process and timing for applications and admission differs for students enrolled in any of the Joint Honours programs, we will advise you of the appropriate next steps based on your circumstances.
Life and Physical Sciences, Computational Sciences
Timeline
Students generally apply during the Winter Term of their 2nd year, once they have completed the majority of required 1st and 2nd-year courses and a minimum of 54 credit hours with a minimum of 2.50 degree GPA (major except for Psychology) or 3.00 degree GPA (honours and Psychology).
Please note that even if you are using the summer term to meet these requirements, you should still submit an intake form that year.
Applications for Life and Physical Sciences, and Computational Sciences Co-op for 2024 is now closed. Please wait for announcements for 2025.
Application process
- Ensure your eligibility.
- An online link will be shared on this page for interested and eligible students to complete. The application requires a current resume and an unofficial web transcript from Aurora. Please include all work and volunteer experience on your resume, even if it is not science-related.
- Verify that your UM Connect account is up to date and that your contact information is accurate.
- If you satisfy all eligibility requirements, the Co-op Office will contact you, via email, between April to May 2024 to sign up for an intake interview. The intake interviews will be held in person between May and July 2024.
- Students not selected for an intake interview will be advised by the Co-op Office, via email.
- Following the interview, students will receive an email with the results by the end of August 2024.
- Students who have been accepted into the program will receive an invitation to an orientation meeting and workshops in the Fall term; these sessions are mandatory for all new Co-op students.
Incomplete submissions will result in a declined application.
Please check out UMAchieve or contact a science academic student advisor to check your academic requirements if necessary.
Fees
There is a co-op work term fee which is paid for each confirmed 4-month co-op work term.
The current work term fee is $585.93
Tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University of Manitoba Board of Governors. For the latest fee information, please visit the fee section of the UM Academic Calendar.
Your co-op fees are used to cover costs directly related to the management, administration, and marketing of the Science Co-op program.
For all other fee information (including ancillary fees, Health and Dental and U-Pass), please consult the UMSU website and/or UM Academic Calendar as appropriate.
Important dates
Information session: Winter Terms
Each year, there will be an information session presented by the Science Co-op team and current Co-op students. The session will include general program information as well as an overview of the application process, including the deadline date. Please refer to the information sessions section.
Application: Winter Terms
Please refer to the how to apply section.
Interview and selection announcement: Spring or Summer Terms
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited for an intake interview with the Science Co-op office to discuss their interests, skills and goals, as well as determine fit for Co-op. Selection will be subsequently announced via e-mail by the end of summer.
Training: Late Summer through Fall Terms
Successful Co-op applicants will be mandated to attend employment preparation workshops with the Science Co-op office or Faculty of Science staff over the course of fall:
- Orientation
- Self-assessment, independent job search, and networking
- Business communications and professional conduct
- Marketing tools development and one-on-one critiques
- Effective interviews and one-on-one practice
- Workplace transition and success (includes employment standards)
- Workplace safety (Computer Science students don’t complete this training)
- Finding and citing references (Computer Science students don’t complete this training)
Co-op job application: Fall or Winter Terms
Co-op students start applying for Co-op jobs the term preceding their Co-op work term..
Frequently asked questions
Can I get credit for Co-op Work Terms?
Co-op Work Terms are non-credit courses. The Co-op Work Term course will appear on your transcript with a Pass/Fail grade.
Is there a Co-op fee to get in?
No, applicants do not pay for the application. Students pay for their Co-op Work Term fee when they secure their Co-op placement.
What if I have not completed all of the required second-year courses?
Computer Science
If you have not completed all of the required second-year courses you are not eligible to apply, we would encourage you to apply for Co-op the following year.
Computational and Life and Physical Sciences
You are expected to complete all of the required courses before your first work term. For example, if you are a second-year Microbiology student and you apply for Co-op in Winter 2025 but will not be taking Molecular Biology until Fall 2025, you may still apply for Co-op but may be conditionally accepted. This means you have outstanding requirements before you are allowed to complete your work terms which will be outlined in your acceptance letter. In this example, you must complete Molecular Biology in Fall 2025 to be fully accepted and complete your first Co-op Work Term in Winter or Summer 2026.
How much will my Grade Point Average (GPA) weigh in the selection process?
GPA is one of the criteria that Science Co-op takes into consideration. However, the Co-op office also weighs in the student’s work and volunteer experience, extra-curricular work, skills, motivation, willingness to learn, flexibility and openness to opportunities along with essential workplace skills such as communication, professionalism, motivation and maturity in the selection process.
If I do not get accepted, can I apply again?
You are welcome to re-apply if you meet the Co-op criteria.
How do I get a Co-op job?
If accepted, you will be given access to the Co-op portal on UMConnect where Co-op jobs are posted for your review and application. You are encouraged to seek positions outside of the portal in consultation with your Co-op coordinator.
Can I find my own job?
Independent job search is highly encouraged. Check with your Co-op coordinator first before accepting job offers outside of the portal to ensure the job and employer meet the Co-op requirements.
Are jobs guaranteed?
Being accepted into Co-op does not guarantee that you will secure Co-op jobs during your work terms. The availability of jobs varies from term to term and year to year; this depends on the labour market and economic trends. The Science Co-op Office provides student training and support and helps equip you with tools to navigate the job search process, but you are expected to take responsibility and ownership of your job search.
I am an International student, am I allowed to apply for Co-op jobs on my current student or work permit?
International Students must obtain a Co-op work permit to be eligible to apply for Co-op jobs. You must have your valid Co-op work permit in possession before you can apply for Co-op jobs.
What is the average salary for Co-op?
Computer Science
In 2023 the average wage for local placements was $23 per hour.
Computational and Life and Physical Sciences
In 2023, the average wage was $18 per hour.
How many students will be admitted into Science Co-op?
There is no specific number for admission; every year, our acceptance number or rate varies.
Contact us
-
Riya Timpog
Co-op Coordinator - Life Science
Riyalyn.Timpog@umanitoba.ca
204-474-7396 -
Ela Kotula
Coordinator - General Science Internship Program
Ela.Kotula@cs.umanitoba.ca -
Ivy Mannil
Co-op Coordinator Computational Sciences/Business Development Coordinator
Ivy.Mannil@umanitoba.ca -
Lisa Wise
Co-op Coordinator – Computer Science
Lisa.Wise@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8695
Science Co-op Offices
Engineering Information and Technology Complex (EITC)
EITC E2-482, 483, 484 and 499
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5V6 Canada
204-474-7863
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.