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Computer Science

Computer Science Co-op is optional for students. This program is housed within the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op Program.

Office & contacts

Our regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Office: ECS 204
engrcoop@uvic.ca
250-472-5800

Co-op coordinator for undergraduate students (student # ending in 0-4)     
Sheryl Thompson (ECS 216)
sthompson@uvic.ca

Co-op coordinator for undergraduate students (student # ending in 5-9)     
Mostafa Rahimpour (ECS 212)
mrahim@uvic.ca

Co-op coordinator for graduate students
Wendy Beairsto (ECS 226)
wbeairsto@uvic.ca 

Career educator
Karae White (CSB 110)
karaewhite@uvic.ca

Full Co-op and Career staff directory

Undergraduate students

Co-op is available to students majoring in computer science and students with combined majors in computer science. The program is optional and interested students must apply. 

Undergraduate formats available:

Program facts:

What is required?

Undergraduate co-op requirements:

Undergraduate work experience program requirements: 

Transfer students must complete at least one academic term at UVic.

How to join

There are two admission periods per year:

Apply for the regular Co-op Program or work experience program by logging into the co-op portal.

Note: You will be unable to apply using the above method if:

If you are unable to apply through the portal, please contact us.

If admitted to the program, you'll need to sign a copy of the Terms & Conditions at the start of your program.

Fees

Co-op students pay a co-op tuition fee for each work term. It's free to join co-op and attend the preparation course—you'll pay your tuition fee after you secure a co-op work term.

You'll pay your fees according to the same tuition fee deadlines as regular course fees.

Fees per work term for undergraduate students:

Fees per work term for graduate students:

Note that the graduate co-op tuition fee is different than the graduate installment fee. If you are a grad student and register for a co-op work term, during that term, you'll pay:

If you register for a course (e.g. thesis 596 or 598) and a co-op work term in the same term, during that term, you'll pay:

Questions about co-op tuition fees? Email us or call 250-721-7032 for assistance.

Average salaries

You'll receive a salary from your employer during each co-op work term. Co-op salaries vary according to many factors, including:

Here is an average monthly salary for a full-time computer science work term:

View salary estimates for all programs.

Work terms

Co-op work terms occur in the fall, spring or summer terms and are typically 4 months long, but can also be 8 or 12 months long.

The work experience program provides all the same benefits and support as the co-op program, but you'll complete 2 work terms instead of 4. The program is a great option for students who are in the late stages of their degree.

If you are already part of the computer science co-op program and you would like access to search for co-op jobs, please complete our co-op jobs access form.

Learn more about:

Sample jobs

A close-up shot of two men standing in front of a bush. They are both smiling and looking at the camera.

Alex McKay and Nick Saar (engineering)

Engineering students Alex McKay and Nick Saar designed a pre-incident plan for a navy base fire department.

Casey is sitting at a table covered in supplies for the Engineering for Kids camps, including blocks, scissors, and markers. He is smiling and wearing an Engineering for Kids t-shirt.

Casey Woo (mechanical engineering)

As a fourth-year student in mechanical engineering, Casey Woo was excited to share his knowledge and passion for solving problems with camp participants at Engineering for Kids.

Christine Wong Chong, an engineering co-op student, is standing in a vineyard on a sunny day, reaching up to touch one vine. Christine is framed by the vines.

Christine Wong Chong (biomedical engineering)

When Christine Wong Chong enrolled as a biomedical engineering student at UVic, she was inspired by the prospect of working in a field that contributes to medical advancements that improve...

A student with long brown hair stands in front of a green bush.

Kirsten Krajnc (civil engineering)

Civil engineering co-op Kristen Krajn learned how to collect historical weather data while working with Indigenous Services Canada.

Yichun Zhao sits at his desk in his apartment. There is a window behind him looking over a garden.

Yichun Zhao (computer science)

For UVic student Yichun Zhao, helping develop a computer system that ensured people entering BC from outside the country were managing self-isolation was a “wild ride.”

Graduate students

As a graduate student, you can take part in the optional co-op or work experience program.

Program facts

Application requirements

How to apply

To apply, complete and submit the graduate co-op application form.

Due dates each term

International students should apply at least 2 semesters before the intended work term to ensure that there is enough time to receive a co-op work permit. For example:

Get support

We're here to support you with every step in your co-op journey, from applying to co-op to making sure you're supported at work. Contact your co-op coordinator or office for assistance.

If you identify as having a disability or a mental health condition, if you belong to an equity group, or if you identify as Indigenous, we have additional supports for your co-op experience. 

Co-op Student of the Year

Are you an excellent ambassador for the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op and Career Program and the Faculty of Engineering? If you’ve contributed to your co-op employer, UVic, ENGR Co-op and Career and the community, you could be the next co-op student of the year.

Winners receive:

As a winning student, you may get to represent UVic provincially for the Association for Co-operative Education in BC/Yukon award and nationally for the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) award.

The runner-up receives $250.

This award is by nomination only by your co-op coordinator.