FAQs

Most Common Questions
International Students
Fees Related to Co-op
Applying to Co-op
Co-op Positions
Job Offer Questions
While Out on Co-op

Most Common Questions

Where is the Career Services office located?

  • Our office is located in the Spencer Engineering Building (SEB), Room 2092.
  • You can visit us in-person Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
  • Call us at 519-661-2111 x 88359
  • Reach us via email at wecareer@uwo.ca

How can I get in touch with a Career Services Officer?

How do I schedule an appointment?

  • To book an appointment , please refer to the Book an Appointment page. You’ll find details about our appointment types and instructions on how to schedule an appointment

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International Students

Can international students participate in co-op?

What is a Co-op Work Permit (CWP) and how do international students apply for a CWP?

  • A Co-op Work Permit is a required document that allows international students to work off-campus as part of their academic program, gaining practical experience related to their studies.
  • To obtain a CWP, international students must apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Detailed instructions on the application process and required documentation can be found on the Co-op Work Permit – International Students page.

What happens if I have not received my Co-op Work Permit?

  • If a student has not received the Co-op Work Permit (CWP), they may face limitations on their ability to work off-campus as part of their academic program. Not having the CWP could restrict their access to valuable practical experience related to their studies through co-op work opportunities. It's crucial for international students to ensure they have the appropriate CWP to fully participate in these work experiences as permitted by Canadian immigration regulations. If a student is encountering delays or issues with obtaining their CWP, they should promptly reach out to the relevant immigration authorities or the international student office to seek guidance and resolve the situation. Please contact  Career Services to discuss.

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Fees Related to Co-op

Is there a cost to participate in co-op?

  • Yes, all students interested in taking part in a co-op opportunity are required to pay the application fee of $125. This fee is required each year that the student is interested in participating in the program, because during each academic year a new set of opportunities are posted for students to get access to.
  • The application fee is required even if the opportunity was found by the student on their own as the opportunity needs to be processed by the career services team to ensure it meets co-op requirements.

Are co-op placements paid?

  • Yes, all co-op placements must be paid.
  • All co-op opportunities must be paid above minimum wage based on where the opportunity will be taken place.
  • To learn about the Engineering Undergraduate Long Term Co-op program Salary Statistics, CLICK HERE
  • To learn more about the Engineering Undergraduate Summer Co-op program Salary Statistics, CLICK HERE
  • To learn more about the Master of Engineering Co-op Program Salary Statistics, CLICK HERE

Do I have to pay tuition while out on co-op?

  • Yes, when a student secures a co-op, they will be charged a tuition fee of $550 per work term secured.

What is my tuition payment used for?

  • Co-op tuition fees cover the entire cost of administering the CO-OP program. This includes coordinating and managing the program, handling admission and placement processes, building employer relationships, organizing the Career Mentor Program, offering career preparation modules, workshops, and industry nights for students. For further details, please explore the Co-op Fees page.

Do I have to pay the application fee and tuition if I found my own opportunity? Why?

  • Yes, if you find a co-op opportunity on your own and decide to formalize it with the Engineering Career Services, you will be required to pay the application fee (if not already paid) and tuition fee.
  • The reason for this is due to the processing time required to formalize the placement that was found outside of the approved opportunities available within Western Connect to ensure it meets engineering co-op program requirements. In addition to getting access to support while out on a co-op work placement and allowing employers who hired you to have access to funding and incentives available to them.

What is the impact on OSAP when on a Long Term co-op?

  • If a student has received previous OSAP loans prior to starting their Long Term co-op they are required to apply for Continuation of Interest Free Status (CIFS) to prevent them from being asked to pay back loans while out on their co-op placement.
  • Your co-op start date and length of placement will impact how many times you need to complete the CIFS form. For example, if you are on co-op for 16 months - you would complete this form 3 times (once for each summer term, and once for the academic year), if you are out on co-op for 12 months - you would complete it 2 times (once for the summer term, and once for the academic year)
  • Students who do not formalize their co-op placement with career services, will be required to pay back any previous OSAP loans and will begin to inquire interest. To be able to qualify for CIFS you need to be enrolled in the co-op courses which is done after it has been formalized.

  • For any OSAP related questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar directly.

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Applying to Co-op

What are the benefits of doing a co-op?

  • Participating in co-op offers hands-on experience, networking opportunities, skill development, career exploration, understanding of Canadian work culture, a salary to offset tuition, and potential full-time job prospects with employers.

How can I apply for co-op?

  • Students must complete a series of required steps to be considered for co-op participation. For detailed instructions visit the Application Process for Undergraduate and Graduate students.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in the Co-op Program?

  • Full-time undergraduate engineering students who are returning to Western Engineering (full-time) after their Summer Co-op can participate in the summer co-op program.
  • Full-time undergraduate engineering students currently enrolled in at least the third year of their degree program can participate in the Long-Term Co-op program. Students must return to Western Engineering for the next scheduled academic term (full-time) following their long-term co-op.
  • All undergraduate Students must be in good academic standing and maintain a minimum cumulative average of 60%. Students should have no scholastic/academic offences.
  • Full Time Master of Engineering (MEng) Students who start the program in any of the three terms (Fall, Winter, or Summer) will be eligible for the co-op option. Students are required to be in good academic standing and maintain a cumulative average of 75% or higher prior to starting co-op.

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Co-op Positions

How can I increase my chances of securing a co-op position?

  • To increase your chances of securing a co-op position, apply to postings early, tailor your applications, network actively, and continuously refine your skills. Stay persistent, seek feedback, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and company during the interview process.
  • Attend various employer information sessions and workshops hosted by Western Engineering Career Services link to upcoming events page and Careers & Experience Team available through the Western Connect event calendar page.

Am I guaranteed a co-op?

  • No, Co-op is a competitive program where students apply and compete for jobs, requiring a proactive effort in job searching and preparation to increase interview opportunities. Seek guidance from the Career Services Team to give you tips and tricks, attend workshops to enhance your resume, cover letter and interview skills. Additionally, remaining open to various work experiences and locations will increase your chances of securing a position.

What can qualify as an eligible co-op placement?

I secured an international co-op opportunity, How do I get a visa to work abroad?

  • Obtaining the work visa for the respective country where the co-op is located is the student's responsibility, including covering all associated costs.
  • Students are encouraged to speak with the employer that offered the opportunity for any support and guidance in addition to contacting the respective country’s consulate regarding necessary visa and costs.

What extra steps do I need to take when formalizing a co-op opportunity outside of Canada?

  • Students must complete the Safety Abroad Requirements steps to ensure preparedness for the international learning experience, CLICK HERE to view steps. For more information, please email wecareer@uwo.ca.

Are research positions eligible to be formalized as a co-op placement?

  • Most research opportunities will not count towards a formalized co-op placement such as opportunity secured under the Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA).
  • For a research position to count as a co-op, the student must be paid out of an operational budget, not as an award.

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Job Offer Questions

What should I do when receiving an offer?

  • When receiving an offer, carefully review the terms, consider how it aligns with your goals, and respond within the given timeframe. For assistance in reviewing your offer, email wecareer@uwo.ca. 

Can I change my mind about a co-op offer I’ve accepted?

  • Any student who is approved to participate in the Summer, Long-Term, or MEng Co-op program and who receives several offers in and turns them down without cause, will be withdrawn from the program and not permitted to apply for any additional postings.
  • Any student who accepts a Summer, Long-Term, or MEng Co-op offer and then reneges on the offer prior to beginning employment will receive a "FAI" in the Summer/Long-Term Co-op course or “Incomplete Milestone” in the MEng program and will be required to pay the Co-op tuition.
  • Please visit the Program Policies and Procedures page or contact wecareer@uwo.ca for more information.

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While Out on Co-op

Can I enroll in courses while out on co-op?

  • No, students in the MEng program are not allowed to register in any course for credit. They must complete all their course credits in the other terms of their program prior to the co-op term.
  • Undergraduate students need to seek special permission to enroll in courses while out on co-op, please email wecareer@uwo.ca indicating that you would like to enroll in a course and our office will support you. Please note, that a maximum of 0.5 credit/work term is allowed while out on co-op that does not conflict with the work schedule set by the employer. 

What should I do if I have any questions, concerns, or issues while out on co-op?

  • Please contact the Western Engineering Career Services Office via email at wecareer@uwo.ca and someone will get in touch with you as promptly as possible.


Do all students on co-op work term get a site visit? If not, can one be requested?

  • No, not all students in a co-op get a site visit. Only students enrolled in a long-term co-op will get a site visit.
  • Only students completing an 8-month co-op from the masters program will get a site visit. 
  • Any student who is not in a long term co-op and would like to request a site visit scheduled are invited to email wecareer@uwo.ca to request one.

What can I expect at my site visit?

  • For your site visit you will receive an email from one of our Employer Specialists inviting you to book a time to meet with them. These meetings may occur virtually or in-person depending on the work location.
  • The Employer Specialist will also schedule a separate meeting with your direct supervisor overseeing your co-op placement.
  • During the site visit you can expect to answer questions related to your current work experience and share what achievements and tasks you have been working on since starting the co-op and provide your opinion analysis of the opportunity.

What happens if I am terminated from a co-op placement unexpectedly?

  • Be sure to email wecareer@uwo.ca immediately to inform our team about the termination.
  • Our team will set up meetings with you and the employer to learn more about the nature of the termination and next steps.
  • Termination is treated on an individual case by case basis dependent upon various factors and circumstances evaluated by the Career Services Team.

As an undergraduate student do I have access to the Western health care plan while on co-op?

  • Students on a Long Term co-op will automatically be enrolled in Western’s health plan coverage and will have the option to opt-out, however please note that while in a Long Term co-op you are not considered to be a full-time student therefore may not get coverage from your parent’s plan.
  • Student on a Summer co-op from May- August are already covered from the previous academic year if they did not opt-out.

Do I have access to the Rec Center while on a Long Term co-op?

  • The Rec Center offers students registered in a formalize co-op the opportunity to pay the same fees as students who don’t pay ancillary fee, for details click here

Am I eligible for a bus pass while on a Long Term co-op?

  • Students are not eligible for the bus pass, as ancillary fees are not paid while out on a co-op placement.

I am a student athlete; can I still take part in the co-op program?

  • Yes, you can participate in the co-op program however you must inform your coach ahead of time to ensure you have a plan developed for making time to take part in your sport commitment such as practices, games, events, etc.

Do I still get access to Western Engineering buildings to support clubs and teams while out on a co-op placement

  • Yes, you still get access to the Western Engineering building to support clubs and teams while out on a co-op placement.

How can I find a place to live while out on co-op?

  • To find a place to live during your co-op, utilize online housing platforms, connect with local real estate agents, connect with local students, and explore temporary housing options if needed.
  • Research for post-secondary institutions located in the city where your placement is scheduled to take place and see if they offer any off campus housing support that is available for the general public.

What if I do not submit a required co-op program deliverable?

  • Failure to submit all required co-op program deliverables will result in the students receiving a (“FAI”) in the co-op program of undergraduate students.
  • Fialure to submit all required co-op program deliverables will result in the students receiving an "Incomplete Milestone" in the co-op program for graduate students.
  • For more information visit the Program Deliverables page respective to your program Summer Co-op, Long-Term Co-op, MEng Co-op.

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