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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

Search VIU

aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

A group stands in front of the welcome centre holding a plaque

Vancouver Island University recognized as Moose Hide Campaign Ambassador Campus

September 18, 2025 - 04:23pm

VIU Elder-in-REsidence Geraldine Manson and the cover of her new book

VIU Elder-in-Residence publishes new book

June 17, 2022 - 11:00am

Employee BBQ

Spring Semester photo album 2022

June 16, 2022 - 12:00pm

Carol_Deb_Uncle Gary

Dr. Carol Stuart reflects on a career well-worked, and some colleagues share well-wishes

June 16, 2022 - 05:15am

Lillian_Morpak

Combining passions and learning new skills

June 15, 2022 - 08:30pm

Gained in translation: the magic of translating texts into English

June 15, 2022 - 07:45pm

Trail maps, aspirations and focusing on the future of work at VIU – People Plan renewal

June 15, 2022 - 12:30pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Caitlin Lundgren standing outside leaning on a railing on a sunny day and looking at the camera.

VIU alum makes impact in community through media industry

September 10, 2025

From Classroom to Career: Caitlin Lundgren

Misha Zvekic wears green gloves and holds a beaker with liquid in it in a chemistry lab.

Alum finds forever chemicals in sixgill shark

August 15, 2023 By Rachel Stern

Misha Zvekic examines shark during a research exchange

A parched, drought landscape

Doing your part to save water during a drought

August 15, 2023

Geography Professor Dr. Alan Gilchrist’s tips

Bruce Barnard stands in front of his house

Thinking of renting to students this year?

August 7, 2023

Landlord Bruce Barnard shares his story

Kayla Passmore sits on a couch in front of the totem in the Centre for Health and Science atrium

Pushing the boundaries of what is possible

August 4, 2023

From classroom to career: Kayla Passmore

Examining mental health supports in the K-12 school system

August 3, 2023

Grad student Nova Heartland shares her research

Trinity stands in front of a car raised up on a stand

Discovering a passion for working on cars

July 27, 2023

Trinity LaRose's story

Statements & Announcements

A common loon swimming in a lake with a chick riding on its back.

VIU’s View Gallery presents Photo Salon 2022 hosted by Harbour City Photography Club

June 16, 2022 - 02:00pm

Portrait photo of William Good

VIU awards honorary degree to Coast Salish Master Carver and Traditional Storyteller

June 15, 2022 - 11:45am

Barbara Paterson

VIU awards honorary degree to acclaimed Canadian sculpture artist

June 15, 2022 - 11:45am

Portrait photo of Stephen Jarislowsky

VIU awards honorary degree to respected philanthropist and businessman

June 15, 2022 - 11:30am

Deborah Saucier and Stephen Jarislowsky signing documents seated at a table

Vancouver Island University receives $2 million to educate future public service leaders

June 8, 2022 - 12:45pm

Terri Doughty, a VIU English Professor, smiles while standing in front of a rhododendron plant.

VIU hosts conference on the environment and young people’s literature and culture

June 1, 2022 - 02:30pm

VIU in the News

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