This article aims to introduce the Co-op programs offered by Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

For international students who would like to gain work experience during their studies in Canada, enrolling in a Co-op program is one of the best options to take. In Canada, many universities offer programs with a Co-op component and Kwantlen Polytechnic University is one of them.

On the one hand, Co-op programs provide students with a meaningful opportunity to gain some career-related experience ahead of graduation. Students will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real work environment, strengthen their soft skills, and explore their possibilities. On the other hand, the competitive wages paid by Co-op programs also offer financial support to students while they are enhancing their educational experience and preparing for a rewarding career.

Enrolled students can work up to 35 hours per week and complete a minimum of 420 hours for each full-time work term. The base rate of Co-op programs is the minimum wage as set by the Province of British Columbia (currently at $14.60/hour). For students with one-year post-secondary experience, an extra 8% will be added to the Base Rate. Extra 21% of the Base rate will be paid to students with a post-secondary degree or diploma. In addition to the Base rate, students enrolled in Co-op programs will also get corresponding benefits (Health and Welfare - 50¢ per hour, and Vacation at 4% of regular earnings).

• KPU’s Co-op is currently offered throughout 13 KPU programs: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management
• Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology
• Computer Information Systems Diploma
• Marketing Management Diploma
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resources Management (See University Calendar for the next available intake for this program)
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Public Relations Diploma
• Bachelor of Arts in Community Criminal Justice (All intakes for this program have been postponed indefinitely as per University Calendar)
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Diploma (CADD)
• Environmental Protection Technology Diploma

*Approved applicants are placed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding has been fully allocated.

For students who would like to know more or who still have some questions about Co-op programs, attending a Co-op information session is a great way to find out more about what it means to be involved in Co-op.

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