Co-op programs in Canada combine classroom learning with structured workplace experience. For international students, a paid co-op program can provide a practical way to build Canadian work experience, strengthen job-ready skills, and understand how local workplaces operate.
At VanWest College, our vocational co-op programs connect academic study with paid placements, workplace preparation, hiring fairs, employer information sessions, and ongoing support from the Co-op team. Students can choose career-focused pathways in business, commerce and marketing, supply chain management, customer service, and hospitality in Vancouver, with Hospitality Management also available in Kelowna. We currently promote paid placements through more than 200 partner companies.
A co-op, or cooperative education program, combines academic studies with work experience related to the student’s field. Students learn career-focused concepts in class, then apply that knowledge in a professional environment.
Co-op is essentially academic study plus work experience with participating employers. Students complete productive work, receive compensation, and have their progress monitored during the placement.
Yes, eligible international students may study and work through an approved co-op program, provided they meet current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements.
A co-op placement provides structured exposure to Canadian workplace standards, communication styles, teamwork, and employer expectations.
Academic study and co-op can strengthen problem-solving, communication, customer service, leadership, time management, and industry-specific skills.
Our co-op team helps develop job opportunities, manage mandatory documents, provide counselling and training, supervise the co-op process, and conduct site visits.
Paid co-op allows students to receive compensation during the approved placement. This can support living costs, but earnings should not be treated as guaranteed funding for tuition or all personal expenses.
The co-op term is four months for Professional Customer Service, six months for Supply Chain Management, Business Management, and Hospitality Management, and 12 months for Commerce & Marketing.
Eligible international students may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic terms. Always check current IRCC conditions before starting work.
As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students do not need a separate co-op work permit for required placements. They must still meet IRCC student work placement conditions.
No. A co-op component does not make a program eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Our vocational programs are not PGWP eligible. There’s a possible exception for Commerce & Marketing Co-op Diploma students who transfer to Vancouver Community College’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree and successfully complete it, provided they meet all IRCC criteria. Students should confirm their individual pathway before applying.
Co-op programs combine academic study with structured work experience related to the student’s field. The placement forms part of the program and allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
Some co-op programs include paid placements. Our vocational co-op programs and students receive compensation for productive work.
Yes, eligible international students can complete paid co-op placements when the placement is required by the study program, and all IRCC conditions are met.
Eligible post-secondary international students do not need a separate co-op work permit for required placements as of April 1, 2026.
Eligible students may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular terms and unlimited hours during qualifying scheduled breaks.
We offer paid co-op programs in business, commerce and marketing, supply chain management, professional customer service, and hospitality management.
A regular diploma may focus mainly on classroom study. A co-op diploma includes a structured workplace placement as part of the program.
They can be a practical choice for students who want academic learning, workplace preparation, and experience applying their skills before graduation.
Eligible students may participate full-time in an approved co-op placement. IRCC states there is no weekly hour limit for eligible student work placements, although the placement cannot exceed 50% of the total program.
Choose based on your career interests, preferred location, program length, co-op duration, admission requirements, budget, and long-term academic plans. An admissions advisor can help you compare the options.
