A co-op option is available to UBC graduate students enrolled in the Resources, Environment and Sustainability (RES) MA/MSc/PhD programs offered by the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability. This co-op option provides supervised paid work opportunities with government, business, and NGO employers, along with work-related training (CV preparation, interview skills, etc.) to prepare students for careers related to their field of study. There is no citizenship status requirement, however, opportunities through the Government of Canada typically require hires to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadlines
| Apply in Year (At Time of Application Deadline) | Application Deadline Date |
|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Thursday, October 1, 2026 |
Students apply directly to the Faculty of Science Co-op program, following the guidelines below. Please check the coop program website for deadlines and other relevant requirements.
Application requirements
- Confirm thesis supervisor approval, and finalize approval before accepting a specific placement.
- Seek approval from the RES Graduate Advisor.
- Be a full-time graduate student in good academic standing, with a minimum 86% cumulative average.
- Have completed the RES course requirements for your degree program.
- Demonstrate maturity, strong communication skills, self-motivation, time management, and teamwork skills.
- Understand that all supervisory, departmental and/or university funding will likely be paused during the co-op term, as this is a paid work opportunity. Co-op students do maintain their full-time matriculated student status during Co-op placements.
Exceptions to any of the above guidelines will only rarely be considered, but may be discussed with your thesis supervisor and the Graduate Advisor as part of the approval process.
NOTE: Being eligible does not automatically guarantee your acceptance into the co-op program.
Work terms schedules
- MA/MSc and PhD students are eligible to complete one or two co-op placements during their time in the RES program.
- Each placement is approximately four months in duration; a student is allowed to dedicate a maximum of eight months to co-op opportunities during their degree program.
- Work terms are typically held during three annual work terms: Fall (Sept–Dec), Winter (Jan–Apr), and Summer (May–Aug).
- Generally, a student should not plan to participate in coop during the last term of their program.
Tuition and fees
Students are responsible for Co-op course tuition and associated fees during the co-op term, as this is a curricular offering.