In many Waterloo programs, you can choose between co-op and the regular system of study. In the regular system of study, you'll be in school between September and April each year and have your summers free to work, travel, and pursue your interests outside of school.
Whether you're in co-op or regular, you'll learn from top professors and develop valuable skills for your career which will give you a boost in the workplace as a Waterloo graduate.
Benefits of choosing regular
Use your summer to gain experience
You'll be in school for eight consecutive months in the regular system of study, instead of moving between school and work every four months in co-op. Use your term off to find your own job, volunteer, travel, or develop your skills and passions.
Learn more in extracurriculars
With eight months of school at a time, you can really focus on your courses and get involved with student clubs, sport teams, volunteer work, research with a professor, or a part-time job.
A quicker path to graduation
Finish your degree in four years, instead of five years as in co-op. This means you can move more quickly into your career or further education with all the benefits of a Waterloo graduate. You can also take courses during your term off to graduate even faster.
Develop professional skills
Career advisors from the Centre for Career Development can help you explore possible careers or further education. Hone your interview skills and résumé writing through practical workshops.
Get EDGE certified
Develop professional skills, explore career options, and learn to market yourself in the voluntary, flexible, and free-to-complete EDGE certificate exclusively for students in the regular system.
Study abroad
Satisfy your wanderlust and your degree requirements through 100+ exchange and study-abroad opportunities.
When are you in school?
| Year | September to December | January to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | Study | Study | Free |
| Second year | Study | Study | Free |
| Third year | Study | Study | Free |
| Fourth year | Study | Study | Graduation! |
Access the same career supports as co-op students
- Enjoy access to résumé workshops, career research, networking, and more as a Waterloo student.
- Get one-on-one career advice through Career Hub and free support for student entrepreneurs from Waterloo's own Velocity.
- Once you graduate, enjoy access to job postings exclusively for Waterloo graduates.
Waterloo students reach the finish line
Waterloo's graduation rate is 84%, compared to an average of 78% for all Ontario universities.
(Source: Key Performance Indicators - University of Waterloo 2022)
Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey 2021 (most recent regular versus co-op data)
Waterloo is ranked #1 in Canada and #21 globally for startup founders
At the top school for entrepreneurs and innovation, there are plenty of experiential learning opportunities available to all students. Whether you're interested in undergraduate research opportunities, international design team competitions, hackathons, labs, or field trips, there's no limit to the hands-on learning experiences at your fingertips.
(Pitchbook 2024)
A community of founders
Join 600+ Waterloo student entrepreneurs in Velocity. Participate in Startup 101 sessions with presentations from founders from the University of Waterloo, take on Innovation Challenges to solve real-world issues, and access hardware, lab, and community spaces to make your ideas into reality.
Sample resources and programs
- Cornerstone: real-world feedback on your ideas in a 10-day sprint
- Velocity Pitch Competition: showcase your innovative, high-potential business ideas as a member of a Waterloo student team
- 1:1 student coaching: receive guidance and advice on your goals and needs
From the Missing Manual
Learn more from our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
Co-op vs regular: Finding the perfect path for you
Deciding whether to pursue co-op or not is an important decision to make before applying to Waterloo. Both co-op and regular stream (a degree without co-op) have a lot to offer!
How to gain experience if you're not in co-op
There’s no denying that co-op is an awesome way to gain experience in the workforce while getting your degree. But what other ways can you gain experience as a student?
