Canada Japan Co-op Program
Location: Various Cities, Japan
Type of Internship: Industry
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Level: Undergraduate
Faculties: Arts, Business, Engineering, Science
Note: Students must be part of a Co-op/Internship/Work Experience Program
Canada Japan Co-op Program Website
Program Overview
For over 30 years, the Canada-Japan Co-op Program has provided Japanese employers with access to some of Canada’s top university and college students from a range of disciplines—including Arts, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, and Science–who bring the latest knowledge and expertise to workplaces across Japan.
Canada Japan Co-op Program staff, based in Vancouver, support students and employers in English and Japanese throughout their participation in the Program.
Support provided includes:
- Organizing telephone and video conferencing interviews with Japanese companies
- Providing pre-departure training to all students
- Assisting with work authorization processes and documentation
- Providing communication and support in English and Japanese prior to, during, and after student co-op work terms, including mid-term check-ins with students and employers
- Maintaining contact with Canada-Japan Co-op Student Alumni after graduation
When Can I Go?
Terms Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer
Duration: 4, 8, or 12-month work-terms
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must complete at least one Japanese language course prior to departure. Students can apply if they agree to register and complete a Japanese course prior to departure. The course can be taken at various locations, for example, continuing education, language schools, community centres, or colleges/universities, and can be credit or non-credit.
- Students must have completed at least one work term prior to departure.
- Students must have at least one academic term remaining upon return.
Application Deadlines + Instructions
Deadlines:
- Early July for Winter placements
- Early October for Summer placements
- February for Fall placements
Instructions:
- Apply through Horizons. Your letter of intent should be addressed to the University of Alberta International Internships Coordinator and include the following:
- Which work-integrated learning program you belong to (SIP, AWE, Engineering Co-op, or Business Co-op).
- How many work placements you will have completed by Fall 2025 (you MUST have completed at least ONE work term).
- The position(s) you intend to apply to (see above).
- The duration of your intended work term in Japan (4, 8, or 12 months).
- Your approximate Japanese language level (none, beginner, intermediate, fluent).
- An example of a Japanese course that you could take to fulfil the language requirement.
- What you know about Japanese culture and workplace expectations and how you might adapt to challenges.
Fees + Costs
$130 application fee
Students are encouraged to apply for funding even if they do not have a confirmed internship to avoid missing important deadlines.
Program Information + Contact
For all questions, email goabroad@ualberta.ca or connect with the International Outbound Internships Coordinator through in-person or virtual advising.
Funding Opportunities
Students receive on average between $1,400-$2,000 in funding.
Over 80% of students who apply get funding.