PhD Co-op

PhD students entering their second and third year are most likely to have time in their academic schedule for co-op work terms. However, if you think you’ll have two years of study available in which to schedule three four-month work terms, you are welcome to apply. PhD students who have achieved candidacy or can reasonably expect to do so by Spring of the next year can apply in the Fall to join. SSHRC-holders and international students are both eligible to apply.

If you are close to finishing your dissertation, you won’t have time to complete three co-op work terms. Additionally, if you feel that you do not need or want additional work experience, the Co-op program may not be for you.

Step One: You're interested in Co-op!

After reviewing the information on this website, reach out to Carolyn Veldstra, the Manager, Graduate Work-Integrated Learning Programs, Arts to set up an initial meeting to discuss Co-op and your interest in joining. During this meeting, you will be asked about your skills, interests, and ambitions for participation in co-op.

Step Two: Apply to join the program.

Request and fill out an application to join the program. All applicants who meet the criteria for joining Co-op will be invited to participate in a 45-minute conversation with Carolyn Veldstra and a faculty member of their department. During this meeting, we will discuss a possible timeline for your work terms, as well as your goals for the program.

Step Three: All new Co-op students receive one-on-one training and coaching to develop their resume, cover letter, interview, and networking skills. This training will comprise of both synchronous and asynchronous sessions and material.

Step Four: One-on-one training and coaching continues as you choose to begin your search for Co-op positions. You will be looking for positions both on internal Co-op job boards, as well as through outreach into your or other networks. Normally, you’ll be applying for jobs two to five months before you hope to begin your work term. For example, job interviews for positions starting in the summer will typically occur between the prior January-April.

Step Five: Start your first co-op work term! After your first co-op work term is complete, you can alternate between research and dissertation semesters and your two additional co-op work terms.

Please note that if you are admitted into the Arts Co-op Program, you will be asked to sign and submit a Terms & Conditions document, which outlines the Program’s guidelines.

View the 2024 Terms & Conditions.

PhD Co-op students are required to complete three four-month work terms. This will add one additional year to the length of your PhD unless you can write your dissertation while on your work terms. UBC Graduate Studies has agreed that the length of degree requirements will not be affected by your co-op work terms. While on co-op terms, you will be registered in co-op courses. These courses do not count towards the academic requirements for your degree, but provide additive co-op credits. Upon completion of the program you will have an official co-op accreditation.

The Arts Co-op Program coordinates six hours of pre-employment training for all new PhD Co-op students, some of which is scheduled synchronously, with accommodations for your availability. In 2023/24, training will be facilitated both online and in person, and will include contributions from employers, alumni and current students, and co-op staff. Co-op students will receive additional one-on-one training and coaching on their job applications and interview skills from December through April.

Each PhD Co-op Program is jointly run by the Arts Co-op Office and the respective academic department. In each department, the PhD Co-op option is co-run by:

• English: Sandra Tomc
• French, Hispanic and Italian Studies: Anna Casas Aguilar
  
• Gender, Race, and Social Justice: Christopher Patterson
• Germanic Studies: Kyle Frackman
• History: Robert Brain
• Philosophy: Carrie Jenkins

PhD Co-op students will have to cover three types of fees:

Co-op Administrative and Workshop Fee: Students in English, History, Philosophy, and GRSJ will need to pay the one-time co-op administration and workshop fee of $277.25* (the standard amount set by UBC Senate for all UBC Co-op programs). This is due when they are accepted into the program. This fee provides unlimited access to customized career coaching with co-op staff, online career development resources, and the pre-employment conference to prepare you for applying to co-op positions.

For students in Germanic Studies, the department is able to cover this fee for you in 2023. Please note that this fee does not guarantee placement in a co-op job.

Co-op Course Fees: You will need to pay $854.75* per course as a co-op course fee. You will need to pay the fee three times, one for each work term.

Depending on your program, your home department may cover this co-op course fee for you. For more information on the fees associated with co-op and to discuss your particular situation, please reach out to Carolyn Veldstra. 

* As of the 2024/2025 academic year. Visit the UBC Calendar for the latest fee information.

Tuition: While on your co-op work term, you must pay your regular tuition and student fees. You are still considered to be a full-time student and so are eligible for student benefits such as the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan, the U-Pass, UBC resources and services such as library material and student housing. You can also use any normal tuition awards for which you are eligible during your co-op work terms. Please note that SSHRC funding can be paused and deferred for up to two work-terms, and that the UBC Four-Year Fellowship must be paused while students are on a work term.

Previous PhD co-op students have been paid $20-30 per hour. Wages vary depending on the sector; for example, some nonprofits pay less than government positions. Wages are based on current labour market realities and are up to the employer to determine.

On your work terms, you can expect to earn $3,000-4,200/month directly by your employer. Teaching Assistant (TA) entitlements will be held for you while you are away on co-op terms.

International students must meet the same eligibility requirements as other PhD Co-op candidates to enter the program. However, once accepted, international students must apply for a special co-op work visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This will entitle you to work in Canada for your three co-op terms. There is no cost to apply for this visa.