Co-operative Education in Canada

Co-operative education in Canada is offered at majority of the post-secondary universities as part of its academic offerings. Students are allocated with a co-op teacher who will help them acquire access to a workplace. The phrase "co-op" refers to a type of education that combines classroom learning with on-the-job training. The program permits students to work in a field related to studies while they finish their education. It also provides program-related work experience, determines suitable jobs, pays for their school, and increases their chances of obtaining a bright career after graduation.

High-quality education, and world-class co-op programs are hallmarks of Canada. Co-op programs in the Universities in Canada are offered to the international students in a variety of topics assisting in advancing their career. Cooperative education not only provides excellent work experience, but it also pays the students. The employing company pays the students during their time there, which will help them manage their finances and build a strong resume.

Co-op students in Canada earn an average of 40,424 CAD per year (24.75 CAD per hour). For an Indian student, the average annual salary of co-operative students in Canada are 24.75 lakh INR. Keep in mind that co-op programs are not the same as internships. Internships are between a student and their employers, whereas co-ops are a collaboration between the university, company, and student.

Why Choose Co-operative Programs in Canada?

• Universities in Canada have a career advisor who can help students navigate this process and secure the best possible employees through the university's corporate connections.
• Co-op programs in Canada function on a semester-to-semester basis, with four months of study for your degree followed by four months of full-time employment.
• Students are employed at a company in a role related to their field of study for the next four months i.e the following semester.

Co-op programs do not guarantee the co-op employment or a job after a student completes their degree. To get a co-op job, you must show your talent and work ethic, as well as compete with other applicants. Keep in mind that your co-op should not take up more than 50% of your overall study time and the planned employment must be an important part of the academic program.

A co-op student can either work for a private company as well. To do so, they must obtain university clearance that the work is appropriate for their subject of study and will aid in their development. To enrol to a co-op program in Canada, students might need a work visa.

Covid-19 Restrictions on Co-operative Programs in Canada

In case you are learning online due to the COVID-19 outbreak. You have two options if your school and company agree.

• Accept a job offer in Canada and start working remotely for a company in your own country.
• Work for a company in your home country.

You can work remotely from outside Canada though your study permit and co-op work permit applications are under process.

Explore: High paying jobs in Canada for international students.

Universities offering Co-operative Programs in Canada

Compared to 45% of Ontario grads, 82% of Waterloo co-operative alumni earn $50,000 (30.61 Lakh INR) or more two years after graduation. Within six months after graduation, 96% of University of Waterloo co-operative graduates are employed. Some of the top universities in Canada that offers Cooperative work programs are:

Studying a Co-op program in Canada will enhance opportunities in the employment market. It gives you relevant experience, a wonderful résumé, professional behaviour, pay for your time, and a strong network in your field to help you with your future endeavours.

Eligibility Criteria for Co-operative Programs in Canada

You must first be accepted into the co-op program at the university of your choice to be eligible for a co-op program in Canada. Once you've received your admission letter from the university, you can apply for both a study permit and a co-op work permit at the same time.

There are various requirements that candidates must meet to obtain a co-op work visa in Canada.

• Work should be a prerequisite for completing your study program in Canada.
• You have a valid study permit.
• Your co-op placement accounts for 50% or less than half of your academic program.
• Your university sends you a letter stating that you must work to complete your degree.
• As a second language, you can choose between English and French.

Check: Exams to study in Canada

You are ineligible for a co-op work permit in Canada if you are studying for one of the following programs.

• Courses of general interest.
• Courses that help you prepare for another program of study.

Pros and Cons of Co-operative Programs in Canada

In the following respects, co-op programs have several advantages over the traditional approach.

• In your field of study, you obtain significant professional experience and also get paid.
• Develop professional skills and a deeper knowledge of how work is used in the real world.
• Find out what fascinates you and what your primary strengths are in the field.
• You expand your network and meet key players in the market.
• At the same time, you get to travel, meet intriguing people, interact, and study.
• By applying for a co-op work permit, you can prolong your stay in Canada.
• Develop a professional mindset, work ethic, and experience that will help you land future jobs.

Along with their many advantages, co-op programs also have certain drawbacks.

• Co-op programs are slightly more expensive than traditional academic courses.
• These programs might be taxing for some students who are unable to adjust to life as full-time jobs.
• After you finish your degree, there is no guarantee that you will acquire a co-op or a job.
• Co-op programs take longer to complete than traditional academic programs.

Difference Between Co-op Course and Internship in Canada

The following table shows a basic difference between a Co-op course work term in Canada and an Internship in Canada on the basis of duration, payment, eligibility and among other parameters:

Salaries for Co-operative Programs in Canada

The below table shows the average salaries of cooperative students based on their field of studies in Canada:

So now you know that working as an international student in Canada while still furthering your professional career is a possibility thanks to the Co-op Canada programs. Keep in mind that co-op programs and internships are not the same things. Because not all employers will use these terms interchangeably, and some may confuse co-op with an internship, double-check before beginning your co-op or internship.

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