International students co-op – Faculty of Engineering
Students taking down values in lab

Co-op for international students

International students must have a valid co-op work permit to work full-time in Canada.

Expand your professional network

International students gain engineering work experience in Canada and abroad prior to graduation. They have the same access as their domestic counterparts to both short-term and long-term co-op opportunities.

Undergraduate students may complete up to 28 months of co-op experience (24 months for 4-year degree programs) in various types of organizations, including for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, startups and research institutions.

Students working in a lab with scientific instruments

Co-op work permit

To legally work in Canada, international students must have a valid study permit and meet all of the following conditions: 

You have conditions printed on your initial study permit that state you are allowed to work on campus.

You have a letter from your designated learning institute (i.e. McMaster University) that confirms the work placement (i.e. co-op) is a requirement of your study program.  To request a letter, please refer to details below.

You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institute (i.e. McMaster University).

Your study program is at least 6 months long, at a post-secondary level, and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.  

The work placement of your study program totals 50% or less of your study program.  

The Centre for Career Growth and Experience may ask you to provide proof of a valid study permit with the “work on campus” condition. International students who do not have a valid study permit with the “work on campus” condition will not be allowed to begin a co-op job. 

In addition to a valid study permit, an official letter verifying your status as a co-op student is required.  

You can request an official letter from the Centre for Career Growth and Experience to verify your status as a co-op student by completing a WORK PERMIT LETTER REQUEST FORM and submitting to us at thecentre@mcmaster.ca. 

Access to co-op job postings

To be given access to co-op job postings on OSCARplus, international students must submit one of the following documents: 

Document typeSubmission process
A valid study permit with ‘work on campus’ conditionPlease send a scan or screenshot of your work permit to us at thecentre@mcmaster.ca and we will update your OSCARplus record.
A valid co-op work permit Please send a scan or screenshot of your work permit to us at thecentre@mcmaster.ca and we will update your OSCARplus record.
Yuvri Coop Journey

Student experience

Yuvraj Jain’s journey from a new international student to soon-to-be McMaster University Engineering grad has been transformative.

His time as a co-op student has given him the opportunity to channel his skill set in the professional world through work terms.

Read more about Yuvraj's co-op journey

Resources for international students

More
questions?

We can help you get the answers.

Questions on co-op requirements

thecentre@mcmaster.ca 

905-525-9140 ext. 22571 

Questions on academic advising requirements

engserv@mcmaster.ca

Access the academic advising chatbot (undergraduate only)