Be sure to attend one of the Arts Co-op Information Sessions in the winter or fall before you apply. See Elevate CCPD Event Calendar for details.
Can't make the info session? Review the info session slides, or contact artscoop@ucalgary.ca for an appointment with one of our coordinators.
Check the current academic calendar for a complete list of co-op programs
If you have concerns about any of the program requirements, or about the application deadlines, please reach out to our team for more information. We can consider your particular case and assess if Co-op is the right option for you.
Please note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission, and placements are not guaranteed. Students who apply October 15 normally start their first work term in spring/summer or fall of the following year.
If you have any questions please contact us: artscoop@ucalgary.ca
You must be legally permitted to work in Canada. Obtain a Co-op Work Permit immediately after admission to the program to be eligible for work placements.
You can be eligible for Co-operative Education programs if one of your majors is in a Faculty of Arts department in which a Co-operative Education program is offered.
Transfer students from other universities will be considered for admission to the Co-operative Education program.
Apply in your first year. Contact the Co-op team as soon as possible for application information.
The application deadline is October 15. Apply now through Elevate
Application deadline is Oct. 15. Submit an online application form through Elevate.
Login as a student → select Faculty of Arts from the left menu → choose your major from the list → complete application, including upload your resume → submit
See FAQ below on how to format your resume and work plan
You'll be advised of the status of your application after your requirements have been reviewed.
Once you're accepted to the program, pay a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.
We will provide you with extensive pre-employment training — in person and online through D2L. Your co-op coordinator will assist you through the job application, interview and transition-to-work process
Yes! However, certain co-op positions may only be open to Canadian citizens and those with permanent residence.
If you are an international student considering the Co-op program or have already been accepted into the program, there are a few things to take into consideration:
Work permits
International students in the Co-op program must apply for a Co-op work permit. The permit is free, but the application process can be lengthy, so apply as soon as possible! Be sure to attend a UCalgary International info session for further details.
Note: Applicants who are in Canada on a Work Permit or dependents of persons on a Work Permit are required to pay these additional international student fees (unless the dependents are Canadians or Landed Immigrants).
International student fees
International students pay a differential fee along with regular tuition and general fees while on work terms. Be sure to pay it by the deadline, or your registration and admission will be cancelled. Change to your immigration status? Provide proof of your new status to the Office of the Registrar by the payment deadline.
We recommend connecting with International Student Services (ISS), who can provide support and customized advising for all international students adjusting to studying at the University of Calgary.
Please email to artscoop@ucalgary.ca. We will investigate and provide you with access to the application if you have a declared major with a Co-op option in the Faculty of Arts.
Don't worry! We review your resume if you're accepted into the Co-op program. If you would like to see resume examples, take a look at the Career Services Career & Job Search Resources page. Note that your application resume does not have to follow these formats. You should provide an overview of your work and volunteer experience.
Please submit a plan for each semester of your degree that includes three Co-op work terms. This will extend your degree by approximately one year. Plan at least one work term for winter or fall.
In most cases, your first expected work term would be May or Sept. of the year after you apply.
Ensure that your work terms alternate with academic semesters. Your plan should includes a final study semester (at least three half courses). Your plan may include two terms back to back, but we do not recommend three terms back to back. Once you are in the program, there is flexibility with your plan, as required.
Here is a sample plan of a person who applied in Oct. 2018:
Spring/Summer 2019 – Study
Fall 2019 – Work
Winter 2020 – Study
Spring/Summer 2020 – Study
Fall 2020 – Work
Winter 2021 – Work
Spring/Summer 2021 - Study
Write two or three paragraphs about your interest in the program. Include details about why you want to participate and the professional skills/personal goals you hope to develop and achieve.