The Engineering Co-operative Internship Program is a full-time, paid work-integrated learning program, which includes between four and twenty months of engineering work experience in industry. By participating in this program, students apply the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout their undergraduate studies in a practical and challenging workplace environment.

Students taking on a work placement through this option are enrolled in a series of four-month academic courses while they are employed. Co-op students and interns earn a competitive salary,  gain transferable skills and build their professional network, all while maintaining their full-time student status.

Participation in the program provides students with the opportunity to develop technical skills in addition to essential skills in the areas of communication, interpersonal relations, report writing, oral presentations, and supervision - all attributes that allow College of Engineering graduates to better market themselves in an increasingly competitive job market.

Depending on the length of work term, participating in the Co-operative Internship Program may extend a student’s degree completion time by one year.

The Engineering Co-operative Internship Program is a concentration available within the following programs:

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Chemical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Computer Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Electrical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Engineering Physics
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Environmental Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Geological Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) – Mechanical Engineering

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be enrolled in the College of Engineering and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering program at the time of application to the Co-op Internship Program;
  • Have completed at least two years of their Bachelor of Science in Engineering program at the time of first work placement;
  • Have attained a sessional weighted average of at least 65% in the most recent academic year at the time of application;
  • Maintain a weighted average of at least 65% in their two most recent academic terms, not including the spring and summer terms, and throughout their participation in the program;
  • Return to their academic studies with at least 12 credit units of coursework remaining toward their Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree requirements;
  • Must not be on academic action prior to leaving on placement; and
  • Must not receive an academic action while on placement.

Please note that registration in CE 495, CHE 495, CME 495, EE 495, ENVE 495, EP 495, GE 495, GEOE 495, or ME 495 disqualifies a student’s eligibility for a January start date.

Application Process

Prospective students interested in participating in the Co-operative Internship Program must submit an application via CareerLink during the timelines specified on the program website each year. Students are encouraged to submit an application early in their degree program and if they currently meet the eligibility criteria or will likely meet the criteria in the upcoming academic year.

Once an application has been submitted, the College of Engineering will review applications in May. Once reviewed, applicants will receive an email notifying them of the status of their application.

If an application is approved, applicants will be informed that they must register for, and complete, the Introduction to Engineering Co-operative Internship Program Preparation course (ECIP 200.1). If an application is declined, the candidate will be notified by email and may be re-assessed at a later date.

To be considered for a January 2024, May 2024, or September 2024 placement, prospective students must submit an application to the program between March 1-31, 2023.

Students may take on their first four-month work placement following completion of their second year of studies.  Work placements of longer duration (8, 12 or 16 months) are available for students in their third and fourth years of study. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to consult an Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering to plan their academic schedule.

For further information on policies, procedures, and deadlines, please contact program staff.

Requirements

In order to successfully complete the Co-operative Internship Program, students must complete ECIP 200.1 and a minimum of three of the following courses, in addition to the regular requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) program:

Required Courses (1 credit unit)

  • ECIP 200.1

Elective Courses (minimum of 3 courses)

  • ECIP 400.0
  • ECIP 401.0
  • ECIP 402.0
  • ECIP 403.0
  • ECIP 404.0

Students who secure work placements in the Co-operative Internship Program will be registered in between one and five ECIP-series courses, each one being four months in duration.

Students are required to complete learning activities and assignments as part of their work placement. These learning activities and assignments will be reviewed by staff within the College of Engineering and a grade of “pass” or “fail” assigned accordingly. The grade received for all ECIP 400-level courses will appear on a student’s academic transcript at the University of Saskatchewan. Students who fail to meet and adhere to the requirements of the program may be forced to withdraw, at the discretion of program staff and the Associate Dean Academic, College of Engineering.