Co-op Program FAQs

While on a work term, your enrolment in the work term course is considered full-time course load for OSAP purposes and allows you to apply for government OSAP Financial Aid or the Continuation of Interest Free Status on any previous government student loans. Everyone's financial situation is unique, and you should consult directly with Registrarial Services for advice.

Once your application to the LA&PS Co-op Program is conditionally approved, we will send you a letter confirming your enrolment in the program that you will then use to apply for your co-op work permit from the federal government.

No. Once you accept an offer, you are making a commitment to an employer and the program to complete the agreed work term. Failure to do so will result in a fail grade in the work term course and ineligibility for subsequent work terms.

Students participating in the LA&PS Co-op Program are entitled to a safe work environment. If you are experiencing issues or have concerns about your co-op, we encourage you to reach out to your Co-op Coordinator as early as possible so that our team can best support you.

Unfortunately, the LA&PS Co-op Program doesn’t have the resources available to support you in the immigration process to work outside Canada. Explore York International Global Internships for other opportunities.

Maybe. With written permission from the LA&PS Co-op Office, students may take one 3.0 credit academic course during each 4-month work term. The course must take place outside of the contracted hours of work. All students who secure a co-op will be automatically enrolled in the work term course. This is a zero-credit, pass/fail course that will appear on your academic transcript and guide you through goal setting, reflection and recognizing the skills and experience gained during your work term.

Yes. There is a one-time, non-refundable $200 program enrolment fee, which will be applied to your student account when you’re enrolled in the Co-op Program. While on Co-op Work Term, students are enrolled in the mandatory work term course. The course fee is $500 per 4-month work term.

Even if you’ve applied early, co-op positions are not guaranteed. To increase the chances of securing a co-op, students are encouraged to apply to lots of jobs (a minimum of 30 applications!) and to submit high-quality applications, with resume & cover letters that are tailored to the job posting.

LA&PS has an in-house Career Education team available to support you in your job search through workshops and appointments. Register for theses supports through Experience York.

You are welcome to request an extension of your co-op with the agreement of your employer, as long as you have not exceeded the maximum length of 16 months.

Don’t worry! There are other ways to gain work experience while you complete your degree. York’s Career Centre offers programs, services, events and resources to help you build your skills and gain experience, including a free job posting board that lists a range of full- and part-time positions. Students can also explore other valuable work-integrated learning opportunities available for credit.

The sooner the better. Students are encouraged to apply to the LA&PS Co-op Program as soon as they are eligible. Co-op Information Sessions run the first two months of every academic term. Attending a Co-op Information Session is the first mandatory step to enrolling in the LA&PS Co-op Program.

The LA&PS Co-op Program is open to eligible students enrolled in all LA&PS undergraduate Honours programs.