Co-op & Career Centre

In some cases, students can apply for Advanced Standing into the co-op program. Applications are reviewed by the Registrar’s Office on a case by case basis.

Withdrawal (Student Initiated)

If you no longer wish to participate in co-op, you must complete the Co-op Withdrawal Form.

Please review the Co-op Withdrawal Timelines for more information on the co-op withdrawal timelines and fee assessments. Please note, co-op fees are not-refundable.

Withdrawal (Co-op Initiated)

You may be withdrawn from the co-op program due to poor academic or job related performance.

Here are a few situations that may lead to a student’s withdrawal from co-op:

• Leaving an employer during a work term without cause.
• Staying with the employer but leaving the approved co-op position without the prior approval of both the employer and the Co-op Department.
• Being dismissed from a job with just cause.
• Not submitting an End of Work Term Report by the established deadline
• Unsatisfactory employer evaluation.
• Failing to maintain the minimum required academic criteria (i.e. G.P.A.).
• Failing to obtain all mandatory courses for a program of study prior to a scheduled work term(s).
• Failing to participate in the co-op process (i.e. missing interviews, not replying to requests for contact).
• Failing to complete all mandatory elements of the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities.
• Co-op work permit is not secured by international students

Note:  Co-op fees are non-refundable.  For further information regarding fees please visit our Co-op Fees page

Most co-op programs are available for application through OCAS or the International Application Portal. A small number of programs are available for application through an internal process after you have started your studies. Please visit our Application Process page for more information on the application method for your program.

If you have not started the program yet, and spaces are still available in the co-op program of your choice – you may be able to update your application.  For the most up-to-date information on program availability for domestic students please visit ontariocolleges.ca or browse the program availability page. International students may visit the program availability for international students page. There is no guarantee space will be available in the co-op version of any program as seats are in high demand.

Please visit the Co-op Eligibility website for more details.

All co-op students are expected to adhere to the Terms and Conditions of participation, which have been designed to help both students and employers get the most out of the Algonquin College Cooperative Education program.

Co-op is a partnership involving students, employers, and the College that provides students with work experience to complement their in-class training.

Your co-op experience is:

• Academic experience
• Paid (minimum wage to $18+/hour)
• Full-time work
• Related to your program of study
• Completed between in-class semesters

Employers hire qualified and motivated students to fulfill short-term and future employment needs. As a student, you gain valuable, paid, on-the-job experience and build networks to enhance employment options.

Please visit What is co-op for further details.

There are over 50 co-op programs at Algonquin College. Please review the Co-op Program page for a complete list of co-op programs.

The Co-op & Job Readiness Activities, GEP1001 is an activity that focuses on the policies and procedures of our co-op programs. An exemption from GEP1001 can be granted for students who are approved for an exemption or PLAR from their actual work term, and will not be completing a work term within the program. We work with students on a case-by-case basis if they completed GEP1001 in a previous AC program within the last 5 years, otherwise, students are required to complete the requirement again.

Yes. Participation in co-op orientation is mandatory and will set you up for success in the co-op program.  If you are unable to attend the co-op orientation, please contact your Co-op Student Advisor for guidance.

Yes, in order to move forward in the co-op program and gain access to job postings on HireAC, you must successfully complete the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities.

Students who have recently become permanent residents or Canadian citizens must update the college accordingly. If your status in Canada has changed, please send supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/.  The Registrar’s Office will update the college system with your new status, and HireAC will be updated automatically within 24 hours.

In this Brightspace module you will be guided through a series of activities which will prepare you for your co-op job search. You’ll learn co-op policies and procedures related to searching and securing a work term opportunity. You’ll identify your strengths and transferable skills, and participate in workshop style sessions that focus on cover letter and resume development, interview techniques and job search strategies. You’ll also gain access to and learn how to navigate HireAC where employers post co-op job opportunities.

Topics Include:

• Introduction to the Cooperative Education program
• Recognizing your strengths
• Communicating your strengths
• Preparation for interviews
• Essential steps of a successful job hunt
• Workplace ethics and responsibilities

Co-op students are not permitted to accept a position where they will be paid 100% commission. Students are expected to receive an appropriate salary for their work term. The average salary for co-op positions ranges from minimum wage to $18+ an hour. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information.

On occasion, co-op employers will contact students directly to schedule interviews outside of HireAC.  Please proceed with scheduling and attending the interview.  You do not need to advise the Co-op Department that you have been invited for an interview outside of HireAC. The Co-op Department has a thorough follow-up process, and will learn of your interview during our on-going communication with the employer.

No. Co-op is a competitive process where students are required to apply and compete for co-op positions in a traditional application process. A student who is flexible with their job search (work location, opportunity, private vs. public sector, number of positions applied for) will have more success in the process.  Students are expected to produce a strong resume and cover letter for each position they apply for and prepare for interviews.

Co-op students are not permitted to accept a position where they are required to act as independent contractors. Students are required to be hired directly by the co-op employer, and receive an appropriate salary for their work term. The average salary for co-op positions ranges from minimum wage to $18+ an hour. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information.

No. In adherence to the Co-op Terms and Conditions, once you have accepted a co-op position (verbally or in writing), you will not apply to any other postings, interview with other employers, or accept a different job with another employer.  Failure to comply with the Co-op Terms and Conditions may result in removal from the co-op program. After you have committed to an employer, it is your responsibility to respect the terms of your agreement and the policies of your employer. This includes remaining employed for the entire duration of your work term.

Yes!  Co-op opportunities are available worldwide. International experience shows future employers that you are adaptable, have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and are able to work across cultures and with diverse groups of people. Take the first step in creating your own travel adventure by browsing the Study & Work Abroad website to learn more about international opportunities as well as funding you may qualify for as a student.

If you plan to travel internationally, as a student participating in an Algonquin College activity (including a co-op work-term), it is important that you follow guidelines that have been established for your safety and protection while travelling. Students must declare their intention to travel at least 60 days in advance of their departure. Please visit Working Outside of Canada for additional information.

No.  Once you have accepted a co-op position, your co-op job search is over. You are not permitted to apply, interview, or accept another co-op job offer as you are expected to fulfill your commitment to your current co-op employer.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in your removal from the co-op program.

Employer rankings are confidential. The Co-op Department is unable to release ranking details to students.  Employers have been instructed to not release ranking information to students directly, requesting this information from the employer can jeopardize your standing in the Co-op program. Students will only be notified if/when they receive a co-op job offer.

Interviews are scheduled at the request of the employer.  If you have an interview conflict with a mid-term or final exam, please email coopjobs@algonquincollege.com for further guidance. We are not able to reschedule interviews around class schedules, work or other commitments. Your academic department is aware that co-op students must attend co-op interviews to secure a job and that interviews have to be scheduled during the employer’s work hours, which can overlap with classes.

We encourage you to plan ahead if you are on-campus and be in a quiet, distraction-free setting for your virtual interview.

The AC Library and Student Learning Centre have several Student Meeting Rooms available for booking. Please visit their website to book a room.

The Algonquin Student’s Association also has Study and Meeting Rooms available to book. Bookings for rooms in the A building must be done in person at the Algonquin Fitness Zone (A125). Bookings for rooms in the E building must be done in person at the Students’ Association Office (E114).

Many advertised co-op positions require that a candidate obtain a security clearance in order to be hired. Algonquin co-op students typically have to go through clearances with different levels of scrutiny which include, Reliability Status, Secret Clearance, and Top Secret Clearance. When applicable, a job offer is conditional upon a student meeting any security clearance requirements for the position. Employers may also require that the student provides a Citizenship certificate or Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing document. You cannot apply for you security screening in advance.  Your co-op employer will facilitate this process for you. For further information please review our Security Screening webpage.

Job postings are updated on a regular basis by our Employer Relations team as we receive updates from co-op employers.  To view the status of a position on HireAC, please follow the below directions:

• Login to HireAC
• Click on “Co-op” in the left hand menu
• Click on “Job Postings” in the left hand menu
• In the “Quick Search” window, select “Applied To” to view a list of all co-op positions you have applied to.
• All postings highlighted light yellow are no longer available.
• All other postings are followed-up on every two weeks by our Employer Relations team, and will be updated as we receive further information from co-op employers.

Students will receive an email notification when they have received an offer and will have 24 hours to login to HireAC to accept or decline the position. If you do not respond to a job offer within the 24 hour timeline, this will count as a decline and the offer will be extended to the next student on the employers “to hire” list.

If the interview link is not displayed in HireAC, the employer will send the interview link directly to the email address listed on your resume. Some employers will send you the interview link in the form of a meeting invite. Please “accept” the meeting so the employer is aware you have received it. If you do not have the interview link within 2 hours of your interview time, please email coopjobs@algonquincollege.com.

If the position you accepted requires you to apply for security screening, your co-op employer will facilitate this process for you. Your co-op employer should provide you with the documentation to begin the security screening process within 2 weeks of accepting the position. If you do not hear from your employer within 2 weeks, please follow up with them for instructions and documentation. Delayed processing could have an impact on your co-op work term. You can find your hiring manager’s contact details on HireAC under “Work Term Record Detail”, at the bottom.  For further information please review our Security Screening webpage.

With your job search, it is important to take the time to customize your resume and cover letter for each job you are applying to. You want to avoid submitting a general application as it won’t stand out against other applications. Consider spending time matching your specific skills to those being advertised in the job posting.  Make it easier for the hiring manager to see that you have the specific skills they are looking for.  Consider adding more information about the company and why you are a good fit for “this” specific job instead of just changing the name of the company at the top of the cover letter. This may seem like a small change but hiring managers like to see that you put the effort into customizing the document for the specific job. The quality of your applications is more important than the quantity.

If you are unsure how to customize your resume/cover letter or how to optimize your job search, please consider using the ‘Book an Appointment’ tab on HireAC to schedule a meeting with a Co-op Student Advisor.

If you have completed an interview and no longer feel the opportunity is suitable, please email your Co-op Student Advisor within 24 hours of your interview to outline your reason and discuss your request.

Co-op employers spend a considerable amount of time posting positions, reviewing resumes, scheduling, and facilitating interviews. Withdrawing an application after an interview will be considered for exceptional circumstances. Students are expected to review job postings carefully and not apply for jobs they would not consider accepting if offered.

Unfortunately this is part of the job search process.  The Co-op Department is here to help.  Our Co-op Student Advisors can provide you with additional resume and cover letter support, as well as mock interviews to help practice common interview questions to increase your chances of success. Please contact your Co-op Student Advisor to book an appointment.

If you secure your own co-op employment, you must complete the Confirmation of Co-op Work Term Form to submit your position for approval. All self-developed jobs will be evaluated by the Co-op Department to ensure they meet co-op requirements and are suitable workplaces and learning experiences. Co-op work terms cannot begin until the role has been verified and approved by the Co-op Department, and you have become registered for the work term.  Co-op fees apply regardless if you secure your own position or secure your position through HireAC.

Optional Co-op Programs

Students must secure a co-op position to continue in the co-op version of their program and participate in future work terms. Should a student not be successful in finding valid and approved co-op employment during the Co-op Job Search term, the student will be transferred to the non-co-op version of their program to complete the remainder of their studies without further co-op experience, or the ability to rejoin co-op at a later date.

Mandatory Co-op Programs

Students in mandatory co-op programs will be required to speak with your Faculty Co-op Coordinator to establish a new co-op work/study pattern. Students in mandatory co-op programs must complete all scheduled co-op work terms to graduate from the program.

If your co-op employer requests proof that you are in a co-op program, please send an email to coop@algonquincollege.com with your name, student number and employer contact information. Our team will provide your employer with a Confirmation of Co-op Eligibility letter.

If your co-op employer requires proof of enrolment, you may login to ACSIS to download a proof of enrolment letter.

Students who have recently become permanent residents or Canadian citizens must update the college accordingly. If your status in Canada has changed, please send supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/.  The Registrar’s Office will update the college system with your new status, and HireAC will be updated automatically within 24 hours.

Our recruitment cycle follows specific timelines for posting jobs, interviews, and job offers. Please review the Important Co-op Dates for a full breakdown of co-op timelines for each work term.

Check HireAC on a weekly basis and apply to 20% of the jobs you see there. Be sure to conduct a self-directed job search outside of HireAC by creating a list of organizations you want to work at and reach out to them directly. Sign-up for alerts on job boards such as indeed, Monster and Canada Jobs.

If you have an employer who would like to hire you as a co-op student, the Co-op Department would be happy to follow-up with your employer to provide them with guidance on the process and their responsibilities. The position must be paid, full time hours for the duration of your work term, and related to your program of study.  Please contact your Co-op Student Advisor for further guidance.

Co-op employer responsibilities include:

• A mentor or supervisor to guide the student
• A reasonable salary which compensates the student for their level of experience and skills offered
• A job offer confirmed in writing – including start date, end date, and salary details.
• Workplace Insurance. Please contact the Co-op Department immediately if this is an issue
• Challenging work assignments related to the student’s program of study
• Encouragement to the student to return to school at the end of the placement (avoid turning a Co-op assignment into a full-time position PRIOR to graduation)
• A suitable work environment for a student.
• A reviewed and signed copy of the student’s work term report and completion of a final evaluation (form provided by Co-op Department)
• Adherence to all Provincial and Federal Freedom of Information, Human Rights and Employment legislation.

Optional Co-op Programs

If you are in an optional co-op program and do not find a co-op opportunity before the beginning of the co-op work term, you will be encouraged to return your next academic level of your program, or will be eligible graduate if the work term is at the end of your program.  Students must successfully secure a co-op position in order to continue in the co-op program and participate in future co-op work terms.

Mandatory Co-op Programs

If you are in a mandatory co-op program, you will be required to speak with your Academic Co-op Coordinator to establish a new co-op work/study pattern. Students in mandatory co-op programs must complete all scheduled co-op work terms in order to graduate from the program.

You are required to respond to all co-op interview requests within 24 hours.  Failure to respond to an interview request within 24 hours will result in your removal from the competition for that position. If you do not respond to multiple interview requests within the timeframe, no further interviews will be made available to you through HireAC

Co-op is about experience!  Wages are set by the employer.  The average salary for co-op positions ranges from minimum wage to $18+ an hour. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information.

Co-op interviews are scheduled at the request of the employer and the employer chooses who they wish to interview.  We strive to provide students with a 24 hours notice in advance of an interview, however in some extenuating circumstances the timeframe may be shorter to accommodate the employer’s availability.  We ask that students check their AlgonquinLive email often (once or twice a day) during the interview periods and respond to interview requests by the established deadline.

Many interviews will be scheduled through HireAC, however some employers may contact you directly to schedule an interview. Interviews are often held on-campus to provide convenience to you and the employer, however some employers prefer to host interviews at their location, over the phone or by video chat. If you are being interviewed at the employer’s location please bring an official Photo ID card as many employers require you to sign in and provide ID to access the facility.

After your interview, if you decide you no longer wish to be considered for the position, please contact us immediately at coop@algonquincollege.com to let us know.  If you do this before you receive a job offer, this will not count as declining a job.

After an employer has completed interviews, they will rank their top candidates in HireAC. Co-op job offers will be sent through HireAC in alignment with the Student Important Dates timelines. Students will receive an email notification that they have received an offer, and will have 24 hours to login to HireAC to accept or decline the position. In order to maintain relationships the College has developed over the years with co-op employers, you are only permitted to decline one offer per job search term.

If you do not respond to a job offer within the 24 hour timeline, this will count as a decline and the offer will be extended to the next student on the employers “to hire” list.

Only students who receive a job offer will be notified.

Please visit the Co-op Important Dates page for details about the deadline to declare.

Students in optional co-op programs who do not declare work term details by the deadline will complete their program without a co-op experience.

Students in mandatory co-op programs who do not declare work term details by the deadline will be required to complete their co-op requirement in a later term.  This may require a change to your work-study pattern and delay your graduation.

Co-op work terms must be paid. The average salary for co-op positions ranges. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information. Unpaid co-op work terms will not be approved.

As an exception, Entrepreneurship Co-op (eCo-op) work terms are predominantly an unpaid opportunity for students. Students will grow the value of their business – we consider this their compensation.

If you require an extension on your assignment due dates, please contact your Faculty Co-op Coordinator. The Co-op Department does not review assignments or assign grades, this is the responsibility for the Faculty Co-op Coordinator for your program.

Time off is permitted only in the case of emergency or illness. Since the co-op program is a full-time, academic experience, taking time off (to travel etc.) is not permitted. If you need to take time off from your co-op work term, it needs to be discussed and approved by the employer and your Co-op Student Advisor.

Yes. You are required to complete ALL academic assignments for EACH TERM, even if you are doing multiple or back to back co-op work terms with the same employer. Each work-term is assessed separately and you will received co-op credit for each work-term on your transcript.

The value of the assignments is in the self-reflection of your work experience so that you can set and strive for your selected goals, and in the feedback that you and Algonquin get from the employer both positive and negative as the work experience unfolds. We ask that you put a full effort into the academic assignments in the first work-terms. This will maximize the benefits of completing the assignments, to you, to your employer, and to the College. In your second or subsequent work-term, you can update and refresh the assignments from your first work-term.

Yes. We follow-up to make sure the goals of you and your employer are being achieved. Your Co-op Student Advisor is always available for you to contact throughout your work term for other workplace assistance.

All of your assignments will be submitted through either the Brightspace or HireAC.  Please check your Brightspace work term course for deadline and instructions.

All of your assignments will be submitted through either the Brightspace or HireAC.  Please check your Brightspace work term course for deadline and instructions.

Co-op work terms are generally 4 months in duration.  Some programs offer multiple co-op work terms.  Review your Co-op Sequence on HireAC to confirm your work-study pattern.

Students in graduate certificate programs complete one co-op work term as part of their program of study. No additional work terms will be permitted.

A “P” for PASS will be awarded by the Academic Department to a co-op student if he/she fulfills all of the following:

• Completes the minimum number of required, paid, employment hours in the co-op work term.
• Submits a copy of their letter-of-offer, supervisor details, job description (if not on HireAC), and obtains approval for all documentation by the College prior to the start of the work term.
• Submits by the due date their “Student Learning Objectives”, approved by their supervisor, in Brightspace.
• Obtain satisfactory rating for all components of their “Work Term Consultation”
• Obtain a satisfactory rating in the “Overall Performance” section of their “End of Work Term Employer Evaluation”.
• Obtains a PASS grade on their “End of Work Term Report”.

Work Term Reports are graded by your Faculty Co-op Coordinator.

Yes, co-op fees apply regardless if you secure your own position or secure a position through HireAC. The co-op fee is not a “job-finding fee”, instead it represents the cost of facilitating and running the co-op program.

Additional co-op related costs are outlined on the Co-op Fees website.

Students who are unsuccessful in their co-op job search, will not be assessed the co-op work term fee. The program ancillary fee assessed to co-op students for the co-op preparation term to cover the cost of the co-op readiness and job search activities is non-refundable.

Participation in co-op is not available to all students – therefore the fee cannot be included in tuition, it is an extra fee.  The fee helps to cover the administrative costs of operating the co-op program.  It includes:

• Work-term administrative related costs
• Academic delivery costs
• Additional costs for year-round operations

Additional co-op related costs are outlined on the Co-op Fees website.

Program Payment Due Dates are determined by the Registrar’s Office. Co-op fee installments will be assessed to your student account in alignment with your program and tuition fees.

Yes, international students can participate in the Co-op program. The fees and application process are the same for international students.

Yes, international students can apply for federal government departments, depending on the position and level of security screening required. Most federal government departments are required to consider Canadian Citizen and Permanent Resident applicants first, however international students can and have worked in federal government departments for co-op work terms. International student may be asked to provide a police certificate from their home country as part of their security screening application.

As an international student enrolled in a program that has a work requirement, including a co-op program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to have a valid co-op/internship work permit before starting your co-op/internship work experience. Without a co-op/internship work permit, you will not be legally allowed to work in a co-op position or in any work that is required by your program in Canada. Students who are refugees or convention refugees also require a work permit that authorizes them to work in addition to a study permit.  Diplomatic students should reach out to their contact at Global Affairs to learn if they require a special work permit to complete work for studies.

If you are a student registered in a co-op program, the co-op/internship work permit confirmation letter to support your application with IRCC is accessible for you to download in HireAC. To download the letter, please follow the below instructions:

1. Login to HireAC.
2. Click on “Co-op” in the left-hand column.
3. Click the three vertical dots in the bottom right-hand corner and select “Coop Letters”
4. Download the “Work Permit” PDF document.

Please review the “How to Apply” directions for guidance and tips on submitting your application to IRCC. Should you have any questions about the co-op/internship work permit requirements or process, please contact the International Education Centre. 

Once you have applied and received your co-op/internship work permit, please notify the Co-op Department by uploading your work permit through the Co-op Work Permit Confirmation Form.

International students may switch to the non co-op stream of their program with no impact on their status as a study permit holder. Students must speak with the Program Coordinator to understand if they are expected to continue immediately to the next level of study in lieu of the co-op term. International students applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the end of their studies should be aware that the length of their PGWP is based on the length of their program without the co-op portion. For example, a student enrolled in the 1-year Project Management Co-op stream will be eligible for a maximum 1-year PGWP.

Students must follow the pre-planned work-study pattern for their program. Registered students can review their Co-op Sequence on HireAC.

As an international student, your co-op work permit stipulates that “Employment practicum cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study”, or another similar statement referencing a 50% maximum of work integrated learning, including co-op.

As an example, a student who is participating in a program with 4 academic levels, is permitted to complete a maximum of 2 co-op work terms. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules are firm and students should not exceed this rule.  If international students have questions, they can contact the International Education Centre at iecsupport@algonquincollege.com or visit the IEC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Resources website.

If you are an international student travelling back to your home country for co-op work, you must declare your intention to travel at least 60 days in advance of your departure. This is required to complete the proper protocol for travelling/working abroad. Please visit Working Outside of Canada for additional information.

Please review the “How to Apply” directions for guidance and tips. Should you have any questions about the Co-op/Internship Work Permit requirements or process, please contact the International Education Centre. You may contact them at iecsupport@algonquincollege.com. 

Students who have recently become permanent residents or Canadian citizens must update the college accordingly. If your status in Canada has changed, please send supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/.  The Registrar’s Office will update the college system with your new status, and HireAC will be updated automatically within 24 hours.

Yes, co-op students are considered full-time students for the duration of their co-op work term.  Please note your ACSIS account will indicate you have part-time status, this is a system limitation. Co-op students are considered full-time students while participating in a co-op work term. If you require documentation to confirm your full-time student status, you may download a Proof of Enrolment letter from your ACSIS account.

Students can PLAR a co-op work term by following the PLAR process through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Office.  PLAR fees will apply and are non-refundable

Students can only challenge a co-op work term with prior related work experience. Work experience acquired concurrently with the co-op can not be used to challenge the same.

For students who require 1 co-op work term to graduate, if successful with their PLAR request will also be granted PLAR for GEP1001.

For students who require more than 1 co-op work term to graduate, if successful with their PLAR request for 1 co-op work term are still required to complete any subsequent co-op work terms and complete GEP1001. GEP1001 provides the foundation of the co-op process, outlines the student’s responsibilities, and prepares the student for their co-op work term. Completion of GEP1001 is mandatory for students to participate in any co-op work terms.

If a student is unsuccessful in the PLAR process, the student will be required to complete the necessary co-op work terms and pay the associated co-op fees.

Please contact your Program Coordinator to determine if PLAR may be an option for you.

The Co-op Department does not recommend students take courses during a co-op work term. Any course registration that is permitted will be considered an exception, must be completed outside of the employer’s business hours, and be approved by the Faculty Co-op Coordinator for your program.

Yes, you must follow your pre-planned study-work progression for your program. Study-work patterns are purposefully included at important and pre-determined times. Requests to change progression will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  

You must contact your Program Coordinator, the Registrar’s Office and the Co-op Department before you make any changes to your program of study. Co-op may not be available in your new program, and co-op acceptance is not guaranteed if you change programs.

Yes, co-op work terms are an academic experience and will appear on your transcript.  Co-op work terms follow a pass/fail grading system.

Yes, co-op students are considered full-time students for the duration of their co-op work term.  Please note your ACSIS account will indicate you have part-time status, this is a system limitation. Co-op students are considered full-time students while participating in a co-op work term. If you require documentation to confirm your full-time student status, you may download a Proof of Enrolment letter from your ACSIS account.

Co-op students are not permitted to accept a position where they will be paid 100% commission. Students are expected to receive an appropriate salary for their work term. The average salary for co-op positions ranges from minimum wage to $18+ an hour. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information.

Yes, co-op fees apply regardless if you secure your own position or secure a position through HireAC. The co-op fee is not a “job-finding fee”, instead it represents the cost of facilitating and running the co-op program.

Additional co-op related costs are outlined on the Co-op Fees website.

On occasion, co-op employers will contact students directly to schedule interviews outside of HireAC.  Please proceed with scheduling and attending the interview.  You do not need to advise the Co-op Department that you have been invited for an interview outside of HireAC. The Co-op Department has a thorough follow-up process, and will learn of your interview during our on-going communication with the employer.

No. Co-op is a competitive process where students are required to apply and compete for co-op positions in a traditional application process. A student who is flexible with their job search (work location, opportunity, private vs. public sector, number of positions applied for) will have more success in the process.  Students are expected to produce a strong resume and cover letter for each position they apply for and prepare for interviews.

Students who are unsuccessful in their co-op job search, will not be assessed the co-op work term fee. The program ancillary fee assessed to co-op students for the co-op preparation term to cover the cost of the co-op readiness and job search activities is non-refundable.

Co-op students are not permitted to accept a position where they are required to act as independent contractors. Students are required to be hired directly by the co-op employer, and receive an appropriate salary for their work term. The average salary for co-op positions ranges from minimum wage to $18+ an hour. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information.

Co-op work terms must be paid. The average salary for co-op positions ranges. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information. Unpaid co-op work terms will not be approved.

As an exception, Entrepreneurship Co-op (eCo-op) work terms are predominantly an unpaid opportunity for students. Students will grow the value of their business – we consider this their compensation.

No. In adherence to the Co-op Terms and Conditions, once you have accepted a co-op position (verbally or in writing), you will not apply to any other postings, interview with other employers, or accept a different job with another employer.  Failure to comply with the Co-op Terms and Conditions may result in removal from the co-op program. After you have committed to an employer, it is your responsibility to respect the terms of your agreement and the policies of your employer. This includes remaining employed for the entire duration of your work term.

Yes!  Co-op opportunities are available worldwide. International experience shows future employers that you are adaptable, have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and are able to work across cultures and with diverse groups of people. Take the first step in creating your own travel adventure by browsing the Study & Work Abroad website to learn more about international opportunities as well as funding you may qualify for as a student.

If you plan to travel internationally, as a student participating in an Algonquin College activity (including a co-op work-term), it is important that you follow guidelines that have been established for your safety and protection while travelling. Students must declare their intention to travel at least 60 days in advance of their departure. Please visit Working Outside of Canada for additional information.

No.  Once you have accepted a co-op position, your co-op job search is over. You are not permitted to apply, interview, or accept another co-op job offer as you are expected to fulfill your commitment to your current co-op employer.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in your removal from the co-op program.

Employer rankings are confidential. The Co-op Department is unable to release ranking details to students.  Employers have been instructed to not release ranking information to students directly, requesting this information from the employer can jeopardize your standing in the Co-op program. Students will only be notified if/when they receive a co-op job offer.

Students can PLAR a co-op work term by following the PLAR process through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Office.  PLAR fees will apply and are non-refundable

Students can only challenge a co-op work term with prior related work experience. Work experience acquired concurrently with the co-op can not be used to challenge the same.

For students who require 1 co-op work term to graduate, if successful with their PLAR request will also be granted PLAR for GEP1001.

For students who require more than 1 co-op work term to graduate, if successful with their PLAR request for 1 co-op work term are still required to complete any subsequent co-op work terms and complete GEP1001. GEP1001 provides the foundation of the co-op process, outlines the student’s responsibilities, and prepares the student for their co-op work term. Completion of GEP1001 is mandatory for students to participate in any co-op work terms.

If a student is unsuccessful in the PLAR process, the student will be required to complete the necessary co-op work terms and pay the associated co-op fees.

Please contact your Program Coordinator to determine if PLAR may be an option for you.

The Co-op & Job Readiness Activities, GEP1001 is an activity that focuses on the policies and procedures of our co-op programs. An exemption from GEP1001 can be granted for students who are approved for an exemption or PLAR from their actual work term, and will not be completing a work term within the program. We work with students on a case-by-case basis if they completed GEP1001 in a previous AC program within the last 5 years, otherwise, students are required to complete the requirement again.

If you require an extension on your assignment due dates, please contact your Faculty Co-op Coordinator. The Co-op Department does not review assignments or assign grades, this is the responsibility for the Faculty Co-op Coordinator for your program.

Interviews are scheduled at the request of the employer.  If you have an interview conflict with a mid-term or final exam, please email coopjobs@algonquincollege.com for further guidance. We are not able to reschedule interviews around class schedules, work or other commitments. Your academic department is aware that co-op students must attend co-op interviews to secure a job and that interviews have to be scheduled during the employer’s work hours, which can overlap with classes.

The Co-op Department does not recommend students take courses during a co-op work term. Any course registration that is permitted will be considered an exception, must be completed outside of the employer’s business hours, and be approved by the Faculty Co-op Coordinator for your program.

Time off is permitted only in the case of emergency or illness. Since the co-op program is a full-time, academic experience, taking time off (to travel etc.) is not permitted. If you need to take time off from your co-op work term, it needs to be discussed and approved by the employer and your Co-op Student Advisor.

Yes, international students can participate in the Co-op program. The fees and application process are the same for international students.

Yes, international students can apply for federal government departments, depending on the position and level of security screening required. Most federal government departments are required to consider Canadian Citizen and Permanent Resident applicants first, however international students can and have worked in federal government departments for co-op work terms. International student may be asked to provide a police certificate from their home country as part of their security screening application.

Yes. Participation in co-op orientation is mandatory and will set you up for success in the co-op program.  If you are unable to attend the co-op orientation, please contact your Co-op Student Advisor for guidance.

Yes. You are required to complete ALL academic assignments for EACH TERM, even if you are doing multiple or back to back co-op work terms with the same employer. Each work-term is assessed separately and you will received co-op credit for each work-term on your transcript.

The value of the assignments is in the self-reflection of your work experience so that you can set and strive for your selected goals, and in the feedback that you and Algonquin get from the employer both positive and negative as the work experience unfolds. We ask that you put a full effort into the academic assignments in the first work-terms. This will maximize the benefits of completing the assignments, to you, to your employer, and to the College. In your second or subsequent work-term, you can update and refresh the assignments from your first work-term.

Yes, in order to move forward in the co-op program and gain access to job postings on HireAC, you must successfully complete the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities.

Yes, you must follow your pre-planned study-work progression for your program. Study-work patterns are purposefully included at important and pre-determined times. Requests to change progression will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  

As an international student enrolled in a program that has a work requirement, including a co-op program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to have a valid co-op/internship work permit before starting your co-op/internship work experience. Without a co-op/internship work permit, you will not be legally allowed to work in a co-op position or in any work that is required by your program in Canada. Students who are refugees or convention refugees also require a work permit that authorizes them to work in addition to a study permit.  Diplomatic students should reach out to their contact at Global Affairs to learn if they require a special work permit to complete work for studies.

We encourage you to plan ahead if you are on-campus and be in a quiet, distraction-free setting for your virtual interview.

The AC Library and Student Learning Centre have several Student Meeting Rooms available for booking. Please visit their website to book a room.

The Algonquin Student’s Association also has Study and Meeting Rooms available to book. Bookings for rooms in the A building must be done in person at the Algonquin Fitness Zone (A125). Bookings for rooms in the E building must be done in person at the Students’ Association Office (E114).

Yes. We follow-up to make sure the goals of you and your employer are being achieved. Your Co-op Student Advisor is always available for you to contact throughout your work term for other workplace assistance.

If you are a student registered in a co-op program, the co-op/internship work permit confirmation letter to support your application with IRCC is accessible for you to download in HireAC. To download the letter, please follow the below instructions:

1. Login to HireAC.
2. Click on “Co-op” in the left-hand column.
3. Click the three vertical dots in the bottom right-hand corner and select “Coop Letters”
4. Download the “Work Permit” PDF document.

Please review the “How to Apply” directions for guidance and tips on submitting your application to IRCC. Should you have any questions about the co-op/internship work permit requirements or process, please contact the International Education Centre. 

Once you have applied and received your co-op/internship work permit, please notify the Co-op Department by uploading your work permit through the Co-op Work Permit Confirmation Form.

Many advertised co-op positions require that a candidate obtain a security clearance in order to be hired. Algonquin co-op students typically have to go through clearances with different levels of scrutiny which include, Reliability Status, Secret Clearance, and Top Secret Clearance. When applicable, a job offer is conditional upon a student meeting any security clearance requirements for the position. Employers may also require that the student provides a Citizenship certificate or Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing document. You cannot apply for you security screening in advance.  Your co-op employer will facilitate this process for you. For further information please review our Security Screening webpage.

Job postings are updated on a regular basis by our Employer Relations team as we receive updates from co-op employers.  To view the status of a position on HireAC, please follow the below directions:

• Login to HireAC
• Click on “Co-op” in the left hand menu
• Click on “Job Postings” in the left hand menu
• In the “Quick Search” window, select “Applied To” to view a list of all co-op positions you have applied to.
• All postings highlighted light yellow are no longer available.
• All other postings are followed-up on every two weeks by our Employer Relations team, and will be updated as we receive further information from co-op employers.

All of your assignments will be submitted through either the Brightspace or HireAC.  Please check your Brightspace work term course for deadline and instructions.

All of your assignments will be submitted through either the Brightspace or HireAC.  Please check your Brightspace work term course for deadline and instructions.

Co-op work terms are generally 4 months in duration.  Some programs offer multiple co-op work terms.  Review your Co-op Sequence on HireAC to confirm your work-study pattern.

Students will receive an email notification when they have received an offer and will have 24 hours to login to HireAC to accept or decline the position. If you do not respond to a job offer within the 24 hour timeline, this will count as a decline and the offer will be extended to the next student on the employers “to hire” list.

Students in graduate certificate programs complete one co-op work term as part of their program of study. No additional work terms will be permitted.

International students may switch to the non co-op stream of their program with no impact on their status as a study permit holder. Students must speak with the Program Coordinator to understand if they are expected to continue immediately to the next level of study in lieu of the co-op term. International students applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the end of their studies should be aware that the length of their PGWP is based on the length of their program without the co-op portion. For example, a student enrolled in the 1-year Project Management Co-op stream will be eligible for a maximum 1-year PGWP.

Students must follow the pre-planned work-study pattern for their program. Registered students can review their Co-op Sequence on HireAC.

As an international student, your co-op work permit stipulates that “Employment practicum cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study”, or another similar statement referencing a 50% maximum of work integrated learning, including co-op.

As an example, a student who is participating in a program with 4 academic levels, is permitted to complete a maximum of 2 co-op work terms. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules are firm and students should not exceed this rule.  If international students have questions, they can contact the International Education Centre at iecsupport@algonquincollege.com or visit the IEC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Resources website.

If you are an international student travelling back to your home country for co-op work, you must declare your intention to travel at least 60 days in advance of your departure. This is required to complete the proper protocol for travelling/working abroad. Please visit Working Outside of Canada for additional information.

If the interview link is not displayed in HireAC, the employer will send the interview link directly to the email address listed on your resume. Some employers will send you the interview link in the form of a meeting invite. Please “accept” the meeting so the employer is aware you have received it. If you do not have the interview link within 2 hours of your interview time, please email coopjobs@algonquincollege.com.

If the position you accepted requires you to apply for security screening, your co-op employer will facilitate this process for you. Your co-op employer should provide you with the documentation to begin the security screening process within 2 weeks of accepting the position. If you do not hear from your employer within 2 weeks, please follow up with them for instructions and documentation. Delayed processing could have an impact on your co-op work term. You can find your hiring manager’s contact details on HireAC under “Work Term Record Detail”, at the bottom.  For further information please review our Security Screening webpage.

With your job search, it is important to take the time to customize your resume and cover letter for each job you are applying to. You want to avoid submitting a general application as it won’t stand out against other applications. Consider spending time matching your specific skills to those being advertised in the job posting.  Make it easier for the hiring manager to see that you have the specific skills they are looking for.  Consider adding more information about the company and why you are a good fit for “this” specific job instead of just changing the name of the company at the top of the cover letter. This may seem like a small change but hiring managers like to see that you put the effort into customizing the document for the specific job. The quality of your applications is more important than the quantity.

If you are unsure how to customize your resume/cover letter or how to optimize your job search, please consider using the ‘Book an Appointment’ tab on HireAC to schedule a meeting with a Co-op Student Advisor.

If you have completed an interview and no longer feel the opportunity is suitable, please email your Co-op Student Advisor within 24 hours of your interview to outline your reason and discuss your request.

Co-op employers spend a considerable amount of time posting positions, reviewing resumes, scheduling, and facilitating interviews. Withdrawing an application after an interview will be considered for exceptional circumstances. Students are expected to review job postings carefully and not apply for jobs they would not consider accepting if offered.

Unfortunately this is part of the job search process.  The Co-op Department is here to help.  Our Co-op Student Advisors can provide you with additional resume and cover letter support, as well as mock interviews to help practice common interview questions to increase your chances of success. Please contact your Co-op Student Advisor to book an appointment.

If you secure your own co-op employment, you must complete the Confirmation of Co-op Work Term Form to submit your position for approval. All self-developed jobs will be evaluated by the Co-op Department to ensure they meet co-op requirements and are suitable workplaces and learning experiences. Co-op work terms cannot begin until the role has been verified and approved by the Co-op Department, and you have become registered for the work term.  Co-op fees apply regardless if you secure your own position or secure your position through HireAC.

Please review the “How to Apply” directions for guidance and tips. Should you have any questions about the Co-op/Internship Work Permit requirements or process, please contact the International Education Centre. You may contact them at iecsupport@algonquincollege.com. 

If your co-op employer requests proof that you are in a co-op program, please send an email to coop@algonquincollege.com with your name, student number and employer contact information. Our team will provide your employer with a Confirmation of Co-op Eligibility letter.

If your co-op employer requires proof of enrolment, you may login to ACSIS to download a proof of enrolment letter.

Students who have recently become permanent residents or Canadian citizens must update the college accordingly. If your status in Canada has changed, please send supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/.  The Registrar’s Office will update the college system with your new status, and HireAC will be updated automatically within 24 hours.

Our recruitment cycle follows specific timelines for posting jobs, interviews, and job offers. Please review the Important Co-op Dates for a full breakdown of co-op timelines for each work term.

Please visit the Co-op Eligibility website for more details.

All co-op students are expected to adhere to the Terms and Conditions of participation, which have been designed to help both students and employers get the most out of the Algonquin College Cooperative Education program.

Check HireAC on a weekly basis and apply to 20% of the jobs you see there. Be sure to conduct a self-directed job search outside of HireAC by creating a list of organizations you want to work at and reach out to them directly. Sign-up for alerts on job boards such as indeed, Monster and Canada Jobs.

Participation in co-op is not available to all students – therefore the fee cannot be included in tuition, it is an extra fee.  The fee helps to cover the administrative costs of operating the co-op program.  It includes:

• Work-term administrative related costs
• Academic delivery costs
• Additional costs for year-round operations

Additional co-op related costs are outlined on the Co-op Fees website.

If you have an employer who would like to hire you as a co-op student, the Co-op Department would be happy to follow-up with your employer to provide them with guidance on the process and their responsibilities. The position must be paid, full time hours for the duration of your work term, and related to your program of study.  Please contact your Co-op Student Advisor for further guidance.

Co-op employer responsibilities include:

• A mentor or supervisor to guide the student
• A reasonable salary which compensates the student for their level of experience and skills offered
• A job offer confirmed in writing – including start date, end date, and salary details.
• Workplace Insurance. Please contact the Co-op Department immediately if this is an issue
• Challenging work assignments related to the student’s program of study
• Encouragement to the student to return to school at the end of the placement (avoid turning a Co-op assignment into a full-time position PRIOR to graduation)
• A suitable work environment for a student.
• A reviewed and signed copy of the student’s work term report and completion of a final evaluation (form provided by Co-op Department)
• Adherence to all Provincial and Federal Freedom of Information, Human Rights and Employment legislation.

You must contact your Program Coordinator, the Registrar’s Office and the Co-op Department before you make any changes to your program of study. Co-op may not be available in your new program, and co-op acceptance is not guaranteed if you change programs.

Optional Co-op Programs

If you are in an optional co-op program and do not find a co-op opportunity before the beginning of the co-op work term, you will be encouraged to return your next academic level of your program, or will be eligible graduate if the work term is at the end of your program.  Students must successfully secure a co-op position in order to continue in the co-op program and participate in future co-op work terms.

Mandatory Co-op Programs

If you are in a mandatory co-op program, you will be required to speak with your Academic Co-op Coordinator to establish a new co-op work/study pattern. Students in mandatory co-op programs must complete all scheduled co-op work terms in order to graduate from the program.

You are required to respond to all co-op interview requests within 24 hours.  Failure to respond to an interview request within 24 hours will result in your removal from the competition for that position. If you do not respond to multiple interview requests within the timeframe, no further interviews will be made available to you through HireAC

Co-op is a partnership involving students, employers, and the College that provides students with work experience to complement their in-class training.

Your co-op experience is:

• Academic experience
• Paid (minimum wage to $18+/hour)
• Full-time work
• Related to your program of study
• Completed between in-class semesters

Employers hire qualified and motivated students to fulfill short-term and future employment needs. As a student, you gain valuable, paid, on-the-job experience and build networks to enhance employment options.

Please visit What is co-op for further details.

In this Brightspace module you will be guided through a series of activities which will prepare you for your co-op job search. You’ll learn co-op policies and procedures related to searching and securing a work term opportunity. You’ll identify your strengths and transferable skills, and participate in workshop style sessions that focus on cover letter and resume development, interview techniques and job search strategies. You’ll also gain access to and learn how to navigate HireAC where employers post co-op job opportunities.

Topics Include:

• Introduction to the Cooperative Education program
• Recognizing your strengths
• Communicating your strengths
• Preparation for interviews
• Essential steps of a successful job hunt
• Workplace ethics and responsibilities

Co-op is about experience!  Wages are set by the employer.  The average salary for co-op positions ranges from minimum wage to $18+ an hour. Please visit our Co-op Student Salary Guidelines page for more information.

Co-op interviews are scheduled at the request of the employer and the employer chooses who they wish to interview.  We strive to provide students with a 24 hours notice in advance of an interview, however in some extenuating circumstances the timeframe may be shorter to accommodate the employer’s availability.  We ask that students check their AlgonquinLive email often (once or twice a day) during the interview periods and respond to interview requests by the established deadline.

Many interviews will be scheduled through HireAC, however some employers may contact you directly to schedule an interview. Interviews are often held on-campus to provide convenience to you and the employer, however some employers prefer to host interviews at their location, over the phone or by video chat. If you are being interviewed at the employer’s location please bring an official Photo ID card as many employers require you to sign in and provide ID to access the facility.

After your interview, if you decide you no longer wish to be considered for the position, please contact us immediately at coop@algonquincollege.com to let us know.  If you do this before you receive a job offer, this will not count as declining a job.

After an employer has completed interviews, they will rank their top candidates in HireAC. Co-op job offers will be sent through HireAC in alignment with the Student Important Dates timelines. Students will receive an email notification that they have received an offer, and will have 24 hours to login to HireAC to accept or decline the position. In order to maintain relationships the College has developed over the years with co-op employers, you are only permitted to decline one offer per job search term.

If you do not respond to a job offer within the 24 hour timeline, this will count as a decline and the offer will be extended to the next student on the employers “to hire” list.

Only students who receive a job offer will be notified.

Please visit the Co-op Important Dates page for details about the deadline to declare.

Students in optional co-op programs who do not declare work term details by the deadline will complete their program without a co-op experience.

Students in mandatory co-op programs who do not declare work term details by the deadline will be required to complete their co-op requirement in a later term.  This may require a change to your work-study pattern and delay your graduation.

A “P” for PASS will be awarded by the Academic Department to a co-op student if he/she fulfills all of the following:

• Completes the minimum number of required, paid, employment hours in the co-op work term.
• Submits a copy of their letter-of-offer, supervisor details, job description (if not on HireAC), and obtains approval for all documentation by the College prior to the start of the work term.
• Submits by the due date their “Student Learning Objectives”, approved by their supervisor, in Brightspace.
• Obtain satisfactory rating for all components of their “Work Term Consultation”
• Obtain a satisfactory rating in the “Overall Performance” section of their “End of Work Term Employer Evaluation”.
• Obtains a PASS grade on their “End of Work Term Report”.

Program Payment Due Dates are determined by the Registrar’s Office. Co-op fee installments will be assessed to your student account in alignment with your program and tuition fees.

There are over 50 co-op programs at Algonquin College. Please review the Co-op Program page for a complete list of co-op programs.

Work Term Reports are graded by your Faculty Co-op Coordinator.

Yes, co-op work terms are an academic experience and will appear on your transcript.  Co-op work terms follow a pass/fail grading system.