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About About

Get to know VIU. As a teaching university and a research university, we offer a unique experience to students.

About VIU Why VIU

About VIU

Why VIU?

Explore where VIU is going

The Strategic Plan builds on our commitment to diverse learners and draws on our connection to the community.

Programs Programs

Explore a wide range of program offerings and learning services. Choose from degrees, vocational training, certificates and more.

Find your program Learning Services

Programs

Learning Services

Start in January

September is not the only time to start a VIU program. Many have January intakes.

See January intake

Admissions & Aid Admissions & Aid

Discover how to apply to VIU and get more information about tuition and financial aid.

Admissions Tuition and Aid

Admissions

Tuition and Aid

How to become a student

Make your VIU application successful by following these steps to becoming a student.

Steps to become a student

Student Life Student Life

Make the best of your time at VIU. Get involved in campus events and enjoy island adventures.

Student Life Student Services

Student Life

Student Services and Support

Get ready for the new student orientation

Attend in-person and online events, explore campus and connect with your professors and soon-to-be classmates!

Support VIU Support VIU

Connect with other VIU alumni and learn about the impact of donor generosity at VIU.

Give

VIU Alumni

VIU Donors

Your support means so much to VIU students

Our donors fund over 2000 scholarships, awards, and bursaries each year.

Research Research

Discover how VIU's interdisciplinary research is making a real-world impact.

Research

Research and Creative Activity

Explore the research highlights. Includes recent publications, ground-breaking studies and more.

Research Reports

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aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Tatum poses in front of a grey wall

New donor support helps more VIU students stay in school

October 27, 2025 - 01:16pm

Dr. Serene Kerpan standing outside against a backdrop of greenery and smiling at the camera.

VIU professor researching impacts of prenatal opioid exposure with First Nations communities

December 13, 2023 - 01:30pm

VIU Nursing professor Dr. Caroline Variath standing outside on a sunny day and smiling at the camera

VIU professor using patient-oriented approach to medical assistance in dying research

December 12, 2023 - 11:45am

A mountain biker takes in the views on a sunny day

VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley

December 7, 2023 - 12:00pm

Three women smile, one holding a bunch of balloons, another holding a heart balloon near her face

VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023 - 02:00pm

Eliza Gardiner holds a bouquet of red roses and stands next to Joy Gugeler and a student during the 2022 vigil.

National Day of Remembrance vigil will “reaffirm commitment to fight against hatred and misogyny”

November 24, 2023 - 10:00am

VIU researcher examining how microbes could protect frogs and Pacific oysters from diseases

November 22, 2023 - 09:45am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Whitney Williams smiling at the camera

Empowering educators worldwide

October 30, 2025

How a VIU alum is shaping the future of learning

VIU Geoscience student earns coveted spot in mineral exploration workshop

April 23, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Aiden Kilcommons is excited to learn from top industry experts

salmon swimming

Introducing VIU’s new salmon scholarship winners

April 22, 2024 By Reprinted with permission from the Pacific Salmon Foundation blog

Nick Davenport and Allie Unger share their stories

Four people sit on a stage together

Bad Leaders, Bad Followers: Threats to democracy we don't talk about enough

April 19, 2024

An edition of the Engaged Citizens Speaker Series

Group of students interacts while sitting at a table

Need a break from studying? 🍏

April 17, 2024

Student Pulse News: April 17, 2024

Two students hold up jeans and another holds up a poster.

VIU Graphic Design students create Earth Day window displays

April 17, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Students use eco-friendly and recycled materials in their designs

a flower grows out of concrete

Three ways to make yourself more resilient

April 16, 2024 By Albert Seinen

Wellness words from VIU Counsellor Albert Seinen

Statements & Announcements

VIU Nanaimo campus aerial - view of library and quad and city beyond

VIU receives funding to continue innovative upgrading program

June 5, 2023 - 01:00pm

Emily Huner stands in front of foliage at VIU's Nanaimo campus

Vancouver Island University welcomes new CFO and Vice-President, Administration

May 31, 2023 - 03:45pm

VIU Foundation launches challenge to support students in need

May 30, 2023 - 03:15pm

The High School building at Vancouver Island University

The High School at VIU receives International Baccalaureate authorization

May 29, 2023 - 11:45am

A picture of a brain lit up with different colours

VIU News & Experts: May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023 - 04:45pm

Wildfire with silhouettes of people looking on

VIU news & experts: May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023 - 09:45pm

VIU in the News

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