• Students
    Information for new students, current students and Canada-Japan Co-op alumni








    • Eligibility Section

    Student Criteria for Participation in The Canada-Japan Co-op Program

    • Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate program at a member Canada-Japan Co-op educational institution studying in one of the following disciplines:, i.e. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Bio-medical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Bio-chemistry, Micro-biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Pharmacology, Commerce, Social Science, Arts and Commerce
    • A full-time undergraduate student who will have at least one full-time academic term to complete upon return from The Canada-Japan Co-op work terms/internships (please note this is not negotiable and is a visa requirement)
    • Enrolled in the Co-op /Internship program at their educational institution
    • Minimum B (75%) average
    • Preference is given to students who have at least four months of work experience related to the student's field of study
    • Some Japanese language proficiency and knowledge of Japanese culture. While some students in the program have a high level of Japanese language skill, those with little or no language ability and who have been placed with a Japanese company are required to take one or more classes of Japanese language instruction before leaving Canada
    • Willingness to do an eight to twelve month work term/internship in Japan
    • Mandatory participation in The Canada-Japan Co-op Program pre-departure training
    • Minimum age of 19 years
    • Canadian citizenship or permanent resident of Canada
    • Students must receive a positive, supporting recommendation from their educational institution

    Once selected and matched for placement in Japan, students must fulfill the following requirements:

    • each student is required to submit a technical report as per their home institution requirements unless otherwise advised by The Canada-Japan Co-op Program staff
    • each student is required to submit an experiential report on completion of the placement to The Canada-Japan Co-op Program for release on the website, use in marketing material and student presentations
    • each student, along with their direct supervisor, is required to complete an evaluation of the placement experience
    • each student must be willing to allow themselves to be tracked for a period of five years following completion of participation in the program


    Application Information for year-round acceptance into the program

    • Attend a Canada-Japan Co-op information session at your home institution. If you are not sure when this will occur or need more information, please contact Yuko Nemoto, Canada-Japan Co-op Program Assistant at 604-822-6579 or email coop.japan@ubc.ca
    • Schedule an appointment with your institutional Canada-Japan Co-op Program Liaison Coordinator to determine your eligibility for the program.
    • Complete the Canada-Japan Co-op Student Registration form on The Canada-Japan Co-op website www.thecoopjapanprogram.com
      *Apply at least 8 months prior to your desired period of placement.
    • Mail your $130 cheque ($100 Canada-Japan Co-op Program Application Fee and $30 Language Assessment) to:
        The Canada-Japan Co-op Program c/o The University of British Columbia Engineering Annex 6298 Biological Sciences Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
      *Please note: the $30 language assessment is not required for English Teaching positions
    • Schedule an appointment with your institutional Canada-Japan Co-op Program Liaison Coordinator to have your intake interview conducted and recommendation completed.
    • Complete the Japanese language proficiency test (not required for English Teaching positions) The Canada-Japan Co-op Program Assistant will contact you to arrange a convenient time for the oral and written test.
    • Upon acceptance into the program, you will be given access to job postings. Please note: acceptance into the program does not guarantee placement. Ultimately the matching and hiring decision is made by the Japanese employer.
    • You will be advised if you have been short listed for an interview and if necessary a phone or video conference interview will be organized by The Canada-Japan Co-op Program Assistant.
    • Upon receipt of matching confirmation from employer and student, paperwork for visa processing will commence. Please note: visa processing usually takes up to three months.
    • Attend pre-departure training in Vancouver.
    • Students depart for their co-op work terms/internship in Japan based on their contract start date.
    ©2006 The Canada-Japan Co-op Program