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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

Talk to a recruiter

Explore your options with one of our friendly recruiters. Online and in-person meetings available.

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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.

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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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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Lisa LeClerc smiling at the camera

Alumni spotlight: Lisa Leclerc

January 27, 2026 - 09:59am

20 Nanaimo-Ladysmith recipients of the King Charles III Medal

Retired VIU Anthropology Professor receives King Charles III Coronation Medal

February 4, 2025 - 10:45am

Paul Watkins holds up a copy of his new book in his right hand while resting his chin on the other.

Paul Watkins’ new book Soundin’ Canaan explores Black Canadian voices

January 29, 2025 - 03:15pm

Kimberly Coleman, a woman is standing in front of trees

Scholar explores mountain biking’s social impacts on Indigenous communities

January 15, 2025 - 04:15pm

Terry in garden

Alum of the month: Dr. Terry Poucette

January 7, 2025 - 03:45pm

Sandy and research assistant put something into vials

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2024

December 17, 2024 - 04:30pm

Neil Surkan smiling at the camera

5 questions with Neil Surkan, the City of Nanaimo’s new Poet Laureate

December 16, 2024 - 04:00pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

three students walking down the stairs in front of the VIU library.

Starting the semester right

January 29, 2026 By Becky Duarte

What to do so you don't feel so behind

A woman wearing glasses and a pink and green sweater reads from a poetry book at a microphone

Get the support you need to succeed 📚

February 19, 2025

Student newsletter: February 19, 2025

Tarah Dowling stands next to her exhibit.

Tarah Dowling’s art captures the strength and resilience of Tuition Waiver students

February 10, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Art and audio blend to tell the story of kids growing up in foster care

A woman looks at a tablet while sitting at a table

Help with job searches and events to de-stress 🧠

February 5, 2025

MyVIU student newsletter: February 5, 2025

Graphic illustration: the text reads Black History Month 2025 with a Black woman looking skyward and a Black Man raising his fist to the sky.

Black History Month at VIU

January 27, 2025

Film screening, open mic, book club and more planned throughout the month

Young woman sitting on a red couch looking at a laptop

Juggling education and a young family

January 24, 2025 By Annette Lucas

How Rosalynn White is making her career goals happen

Cheer on our VIU's Got Talent contenders! 🎤

January 22, 2025

Statements & Announcements

Aerial view of VIU gym with lots of booths and people milling about

VIU welcomes public to campus for career fair

April 10, 2024 - 02:00pm

A group of students holds a trophy, all are wearing green shirts

Centre for Seafood Innovation celebrates success following three-year program

April 8, 2024 - 04:45pm

Picture of the moon passing in front of the sun

VIU News & Experts: April 4, 2024

April 4, 2024 - 10:00am

VIU refines program portfolio

April 3, 2024 - 05:15pm

Board of Governors approves VIU’s 2024-25 Budget

April 2, 2024 - 04:45pm

VIU Fulbright scholar advocates for decolonizing sexual education for healthy communities

March 25, 2024 - 10:00am

VIU in the News

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