What if you could study at university and get a head start on your career at the same time? That’s the idea behind two types of program you might not have heard of yet, cadetships and co-op scholarships. Both mix study with real work, but they work in different ways, and one might suit you better than the other. Here’s the main differences explained.
What is a university cadetship?
A cadetship is a deal between you and an employer. The employer supports you while you study for a degree. In return, you work for them – usually part-time during semesters when you’re studying, and full-time in the holidays. For example, a cadet at an accounting firm might study a commerce degree three days a week, then spend two days in the office helping with real client work.
Every cadetship will have different terms and conditions, and provide different support. They generally include things like help with your course fees, a wage for the hours you work, and sometimes even a study allowance, alongside mentoring, varied work experience, and the possibility of a permanent role once you’ve graduated.
Cadetships are common in areas like accounting, business, banking, engineering, construction, IT, government and the defence forces. Many cadetships come with an expectation that you’ll keep working for the employer after you graduate, that way they’ll get the benefits of investing in your education and training. These contracts are often for a set period. It always pays to check the details and research the organisation and the job before you sign.
What is a co-op scholarship program?
A co-op scholarship is run by a university, with funding from a group of industry sponsors. You’ll receive a scholarship to help with living costs, as well as completing several work placements (not always paid) as part of your degree.
Unlike a cadetship where you’ll work for one employer, you’ll usually move between a few different organisations. At UNSW in Australia, for example, Co-op scholars graduate with up to 18 months of industry experience across multiple companies. You might spend six months at a bank, then six months at a tech company, then a final placement at a consulting firm.
Co-op programs also tend to include extra bonuses like invitations to workshops, mentoring and networking events.
Different names around the world
These opportunities aren’t called the same thing everywhere. In the UK, the closest match to a cadetship is a degree apprenticeship – apart from in the Merchant Navy and military, or maritime sector where they’re called cadetships. An employer helps cover your fees while you work full time and study part-time for a degree. In Canada and the US, look for “Co-op programs“. These are much like co-op scholarships, with study terms mixed with paid work terms at different employers. You may also see the wider term “work-integrated learning” or internship opportunities. If you’re doing research, you might like to try looking for all of these terms and work out which opportunity might be best for you.
The advantages of each
Why choose a cadetship?
A cadetship could be a good fit if you’re already certain about the field you want to work in. You’ll get to know one organisation really well, learn how it runs, and where you might fit in. You’ll also earn money while you study, and you may finish your degree with little or no course debt. Plus, there’s often a job waiting at the end.
Why choose a co-op scholarship?
A co-op scholarship could be a better fit if you know which subjects you want to study but aren’t sure yet which type of workplace or role will suit you. Trying a few different organisations could help you work out what you enjoy, as well as what you don’t. You’ll also build a wider network, instead of knowing people at one company, you’ll have contacts at several. Plus you may get opportunities outside of the workplace that help you build skills that could give you a boost when it comes to applying for jobs, like leadership courses or industry mentoring.
The main differences at a glance
| Cadetship | Co-op scholarship | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | An employer | A university and its industry sponsors |
| Where you’ll work | One organisation | A couple of different organisations |
| Main support | Wage and often help with fees | Scholarship for living costs and opportunities |
| After you graduate | Often expected to stay with the employer | Free to choose, though many get offers from sponsors |
Neither option is better than the other. It comes down to how sure you are about where you want to end up.
What happens after you graduate?
Both options aim to move you straight from study into work.
At UNSW, the Co-op Program reports that over half of its scholars receive more than one job offer before they graduate (an average from 2022 to 2023), and that on average, 76% of scholars chose to work for a sponsor after graduating (2019 to 2023).
More broadly, a study from the University of Huddersfield in the UK found that students who completed a placement were more likely to get graduate-level jobs and higher starting salaries than those who didn’t.
In New Zealand a report of the Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships programme helped cadets gain opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and enabled meaningful contributions to organisational objectives. 97% reported improved skills or gained qualifications; 70% said their career advanced; and 52% gained a pay increase. 100% of host employers surveyed also reported beneficial and increased productivity; with 58% saying they had seen increased revenue as a result.
Both of these programs solve two problems. Employers want people who already know how a workplace runs, graduates end up with real work experience as well as valuable networks so you’re not starting from zero.
Where to find them and how to apply
Where to look
Co-op programs are run by universities, so start with the scholarships pages of the universities you’re interested in or do more specific searches for co-op scholarships run by them.
Cadetships are offered by employers. Search the careers pages of large companies, accounting and engineering firms, government departments and the defence forces. Your school’s careers adviser is also a great person to ask for help and will be able to direct you on where to start your search.
How to apply
Most programs follow similar steps:
- Check the entry requirements. Many ask for a minimum result or rank, and some need certain subjects.
- Watch the deadlines. These are often earlier than normal university applications. UNSW’s Co-op applications, for example, usually close on 30 September for study starting the next year.
- Write your application. Expect to answer questions about why you want it.
- Prepare for interviews. Some might include group activities or assessment days.
- Apply to the university too. A cadetship or co-op usually sits alongside your normal university application, not instead of it.
Grades matter, but they aren’t everything. UNSW says that once applicants meet the academic requirement, Co-op scholars are chosen largely on interpersonal skills, motivation and leadership potential. So part-time jobs, volunteering, community, sport and school leadership roles could all help you stand out.
Find your next step
If you know exactly where you want to work, a cadetship could be your fast track. If you’d like to explore a few options first, a co-op might suit you better. Either way, it pays to start looking early. Ready to see what’s out there? Search for scholarships and opportunities on our website to start building your shortlist today.
