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Co-op Internship

The Co-op internship for graduate students in the Department of Computer Science is intended to prepare interested and qualified students for careers in computer science and involves work placements in academic, governmental and private business settings, supervised by practicing professionals.

Application Requirements

  • A Supervisory Consent Form (with advisor/supervisor signature) should be sent to grad-admin@cs.ubc.ca prior to application
  • Be a full-time UBC (Vancouver) student in good academic standing
  • Demonstrate good communication skills, and a responsible, mature attitude
  • Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and time management
  • Be flexible and willing to accept a work placement outside the Lower Mainland

Work-Term Schedules

To be determined in consultation with the Computer Science graduate advisor.

  • Co-op work terms must be paid and full-time
  • Co-op work terms can usually only begin 6-7 months after application to the Co-op program
  • A work term may not be the last in a student's graduate program
  • M.Sc. students may not participate in more than two work terms
  • Ph.D. and Ph.D. Track students may not participate in more than three work terms, and these must be scheduled after taking their Research Proficiency Exam (RPE)
  • The number and the sequencing of the work terms must be approved by the Computer Science Graduate Advisor and, where applicable, by a student's research supervisor

NOTE:  Being eligible does not automatically guarantee your acceptance into the Co-op Program. Please see the Co-op internship page for application and more information.

FAQs

1.   Am I considered on leave during a Co-op term?

No, you will remain registered as a full-time student during the Co-op term. You don’t need to apply for Leave of Absence (LOA).

2.   Do I need to register for thesis sections during a Co-op term?

Even during a Co-op term, you must still register for thesis sections in Workday because you remain an active student.

3.   Do I need to pay tuition fees during a Co-op term?

During your Co-op term, you will remain registered as a full-time student, so you will be charged tuition fees. 

4.   Do I need to pause my tuition fee awards?

During your Co-op term, you will remain registered as a full-time student, so your tuition fee awards will continue without interruption. However, please note that the total duration of your tuition fee awards will not change.

5.   Do I receive GRA funding during a Co-op term?

During your Co-op term, your full-time focus will be on your internship duties. You aren't expected or required to handle any significant research tasks beyond your internship, and as such, no additional stipend will be provided by your supervisor.

6.   Is it possible to complete an internship independently, not as a Co-op internship? 

Yes, you can pursue an internship by either applying for a Professional Leave of Absence (LOA) or a Co-op Internship. However, there are some key differences between these two options. 

  1. Leave of Absence (LOA) - Professional Leave
  • Work Permit (International Students): If you are an international student, you cannot use your study permit to work full-time in Canada during a LOA. Please visit the International Student Guide or contact an international student advisor for requirements to work in Canada.
  • Program Deadlines: Applying for an LOA will automatically extend your program deadlines (e.g., candidacy and program end dates).
  • Student status: You will not be registered as a full-time student, losing access to some of the UBC facilities, such as student housing. Please find details at https://www.grad.ubc.ca/policies/student-status
  1. Co-op Internship
  • Work Permit (International Students): The Co-op office offers a streamlined process to assist international students in obtaining a Co-op work permit for full-time internships within Canada.
  • Program Deadlines: Currently, registering for a Co-op term does not automatically extend your program deadlines. However, G+PS is actively working on a solution to address this, and we will provide an update once it's available.
  • Student status: You will remain registered as a full-time student during the Co-op term.