Is it possible for me to join a paid co-op during a computer science degree in Canada?

Yes, several Canadian universities offer paid co-op or work-integrated learning in computer science, and international students can take part if they meet the study permit and programme rules. Waterloo, UBC, Ottawa and Dalhousie publish details on their own pages. A co-op stream is not automatic, so you usually apply separately and compete for a place.

Canadian universities with computer science co-op and placement options

Immigration and eligibility checks for a Canadian co-op

1. Confirm on the Canada.ca student work page that your programme qualifies and that you hold a valid study permit that allows the work placement.
2. Note that from 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for placements that form part of their programme, provided your school confirms in a letter that the placement is required and it is 50% or less of the programme.
3. Ask the co-op office whether the stream is open to your degree level, since some are only for undergraduate students.
4. Check whether employers in your target term restrict roles to citizens or permanent residents, which can limit your choice.
5. Plan the extra months in your degree and your finances, because co-op can lengthen the time you spend before graduation.

My Advice

Choose your university by the co-op structure and not only by the brand name. Ask each co-op office how many international students were placed last term, what the typical job search timeline looks like, and what support is given. Then keep a fallback plan with a non-co-op route, because acceptance into the stream is competitive and not guaranteed.

This information is available on: canada.ca, coop.ubc.ca, dal.ca