International Students
Requirements for the Co-op Program:
International students transferring to TRU from outside of Canada and are attending post-secondary education for the first time (i.e. no previous post-secondary education in their home country) must complete a minimum of TWO academic YEARS at TRU before they are eligible to apply for their first co-op work term.
International Post- Bacc Students must apply to the Co-op Program during their first semester at TRU.
Students must submit transcripts from their previous institution (if they have one), and their current TRU UNOFFICIAL transcript. Students must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67.
Career Connections
- Guide on how to create a career connections account.
- How to book appointments within career connections.
- How to upload documents within career connections.
Additional Information:
Career and Experiential Learning now offers the required pre-work term COOP 1000 course sections in the fall, winter, and summer semesters to accommodate our international students.
After International Students have completed Coop 1000, they must have a seeking semester while they wait for their co-op work permit to be approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions, but don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any others
What is Co-operative Education?
Co-op is a program that alternates between academic semesters and paid work experience. Business degree students also gain elective credit towards their graduation. At this time, Post Bacc work terms are considered additive credit.
What is a Work Term?
Students are enrolled in a work term when they accept an employment offer from a co-op employer. Work-terms are 4, 8, 12, or 16 months long. Work terms can be completed back to back or 4 months at a time. Each work-term is evaluated as a suitable learning opportunity by TRU and students continue to communicate with TRU for the duration of their employment.
What is Co-op 1000?
Co-op 1000 is a pre-requisite course that a student must pass before applying for a work term. The course covers career development-related topics and is intended to give students a strong foundation prior to going out on their first work term. Several sections of this course are offered each semester.
How can I achieve Co-op Designation?
To achieve the Co-op designation at Thompson Rivers University, students must complete a minimum number of work terms in their degree. Students in a four-year degree program must complete a minimum of three work-terms. At this time, post bacc students aren’t eligible for a Co-op designation.
How do students find a Work Term?
Students can apply to Co-op jobs that are advertised through Career and Experiential Learning, or find their own work position and have it evaluated and approved as a co-op position. The position must demonstrate a suitable learning opportunity. Career and Experiential Learning supports students in finding work-terms by communicating open positions. However, it is up to the student to follow through with the job search process to secure their own position.