The Cooperative Education Program at NEU Faculty of Engineering is an educational model designed for undergraduate students, which integrates practical work experience with their academic studies. In this program, students apply as Candidate Engineers and gain full-time employment in a professional workplace during their final year of study.

This program offers students the unique opportunity to work in a field directly related to their area of study while still pursuing their degree, thus preparing them for the demands of the business world. In other words, the Cooperative Education Program serves as a practical job training experience outside the classroom, conducted in workplaces that have established Cooperative Education Agreements with the university. These placements occur in accordance with the University's Associate Degree, Undergraduate Education, and Examination Regulations.

The private sector and public institutions/organizations with which Cooperative Education agreements are formed are selected based on the needs of the academic departments as well as the interests and preferences of the students.

The Cooperative Education Program contributes to fostering university-industry collaboration by helping to develop solution-oriented individuals tailored to the needs of the industry. The program shortens the adaptation and learning process for students as they transition into professional life after graduation.

It provides students with the opportunity to gain experience and build networks in their area of interest while working in a workplace during their education. Additionally, based on their performance in the workplace, students may have the chance to continue working at the same company after graduation.

How It Works

Students at the NEU Faculty of Engineering who wish to complete their final year through work experience and are interested in participating in the Cooperative Education Program must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum GPA of 2.50 / 4.00

• Successful completion of all courses in the first six semesters

• Submission of an application within the designated application period to the Cooperative Education Coordinator's office

Upon acceptance into the program, the student will:

• Work as a Candidate Engineer during their 4th year (7th and 8th semesters), with no school attendance required

• Engage in full-time (40 hours per week, 5 days) work at a partnering company

• Be eligible to participate if they have successfully passed all courses in the first three years of their undergraduate studies

• Participate in the Optional Application (for interested students)

• Have their insurance covered by the Faculty of Engineering

• Receive a salary of at least half the minimum wage

• Be subject to the regulations outlined in the Higher Education Institutions Student Discipline Regulation during the Cooperative Education period