Co-operative Education Program

Satisfying the entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the Co-op Program. 

Degree Program Students

Students who have been admitted to an undergraduate program within the faculty are eligible to apply to the Co-op Program.

Students must have completed at least 24 credit hours of studies by the end of the academic year of application (apply in Fall, then commence your first work term the following summer). Students admitted into the Program must maintain good academic standing (minimum DGPA of 2.0) throughout their co-op work terms.

Each co-op term that receives a Pass mark earns a student 3 credit hours. During a work term, a co-op student may take one additional course. Courses cannot interfere with the student's work and must be taken outside of work hours. Co-op students should not graduate on a work term without written permission from the Co-op Office.

Diploma in Agriculture Students

To be considered for admission in the Cooperative Education Program, a first year diploma student must have a minimum Degree GPA of 2.0, and have completed at least 24 credit hours of studies by the end of the academic year of application (apply in your first year of the program).

International Students

As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international student no longer need a co-op work permit for student work placements, such as co-ops or internships. International students accepted into the co-op program are permitted to work full-time during the fall and winter terms.

International students may contact an advisor at the International Centre for co-op work permit-related questions.

All Students

Co-op applicants should have completed 24 but not more than 90 credit hours towards their degree by the start of their first work term (this will support the completion of 3 work terms).

The Co-op Program provides students with numerous benefits:

Career development and resources

• Explore different roles, industries, and organizations that can help define long-term career and employment goals.
• Exclusive career development and employment support including application reviews, one-on-one interview preparation, and ongoing support during your work terms.
• Develop techniques for writing effective resumes and cover letters that stand out to employers, and how to best conduct interviews. Every job application submitted builds confidence and skills as a job seeker - because it's not just about the work experience, it's the experience getting the work! 

Financial

• Earn money to supplement education costs. Co-op students are typically paid industry standard wages.
• Access to funding opportunities, scholarships, and bursaries that are exclusive to co-op students.

Academic

• Gain co-op designations on transcripts and parchments that are an advantage when seeking permanent employment. The designation may give you a competitive advantage when applying for positions post-graduation, as it signifies that you have a year of paid, relevant work experience under your belt in addition to your academic accomplishments.
• Earn three (3) credit hours per co-op work term. Three successful work terms can help you balance academic and professional goals.
• Have a fresh perspective when you return to your courses after a work term. Co-op students often see their grades improve after applying what they've learned in the classroom and conducting self-reflection.

Career network

• Develop and maintain important industry contacts via your co-op employers, professional colleagues, and fellow co-op students.

Costs & Associated Fees

*Co-op fees cover a program fee and co-op course fees to earn 3 credit hours towards your degree or diploma program.

Information Session

Students who are applying to the Co-op Program are encouraged to attend a co-op information session, held in March and September, prior to submitting an application.

The information session will include the following topics:

• Benefits of the Co-op Program
• Student responsibilities and expectations
• Student intake application process
• Onboarding and pre-placement
• ...and much more!

Register on UM Connect.

Did you miss a Co-op Info session? Please contact agcoop@umanitoba.ca for a recording of the session. 

Career and Academic Planning

Applying to and participating in the Co-op Program is a commitment to enhance your overall student experience and development. From job search to developing tailored applications to building a professional network, you will be exposed to opportunities and situations that will require you to make decisions that impact other areas of your life.

Students who are interested in applying to the program are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss how the Co-op Program can affect, change, and contribute to academic plans/goals.

Important note about the online application form: There is currently no way to 'save' an incomplete application once it has started. Consider typing out your responses in a separate document if you require more time.

Co-op intake occurs once per year, in the fall term. Applications open in the summer. Once you are accepted into the program, you do not need to reapply for subsequent/future work terms. 

Ex. If a student wishes to complete a co-op work term in Summer 2027, they would apply for the Co-op Program in Fall 2026.

Interested in applying for a Winter 2027 work term? You may be eligible for an accelerated option to start your first work term as early as the upcoming winter term. Ask your Co-op Coordinator about this option.

Why does the standard co-op schedule begin in the summer term?
When co-op students are accepted into the program, they receive coaching and guidance on how to prepare themselves for a successful work search, including preparing a quality resume and cover letter, and feeling confident and prepared going into interviews. This occurs over the fall and winter terms.

In order to qualify as a co-op position, a job opportunity must be:

• Full time (minimum 35 hours per week)

• Approx. 4 months in duration, or min. 420 hours, spanning the academic term

• Paid 
• Meaningful and challenging work that is relevant to a program of study in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.