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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.

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Programs

Learning Services

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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

Ajay Shrestha sitting in his office, looking at the camera and in front of a keyboard and three computer screens

Giving youth a voice in Canada’s AI policies

July 27, 2026 - 02:36pm

A view of Baynes Sound on a sunny day with some clouds in the sky

Public invited to explore marine research at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station

June 17, 2026 - 02:14pm

Yadhu Sivan sitting at a computer desk with three monitors and looking at the camera.

VIU technology diploma program returns with strong AI and cybersecurity focus

June 16, 2026 - 11:21am

students in regalia throw their grad caps in the air

VIU News & Experts: June 3, 2026

June 3, 2026 - 08:20pm

aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

VIU approves balanced budget for 2026-27

June 3, 2026 - 10:36am

Morgan Carey sits on grey steps with an urban landscape behind him

From surviving to thriving

June 1, 2026 - 04:22pm

Amanda Wager standing in front of a white while and smiling at the camera.

VIU professor’s Canada Research Chair funding renewed to support Indigenous language reawakening through research

May 20, 2026 - 02:56pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Carpentry students working working on a housing construction site.

Carpentry students build skills and community

July 29, 2026 By Neil Every

VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ students gain hands-on experience while helping build homes that will become part of the Tla’amin Nation community

Chiara standing outside on a sunny day in front of green shrubbery and smiling at the camera.

Turning connection and curiosity into a double degree

May 21, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Meet your valedictorians: Chiara Sedola

Tejas giving a presentation next to a powerpoint slide.

Embracing every opportunity

May 20, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Meet your valedictorians: Tejas Sawant

two students stdying in the health and sciences building

Saving companies time, money and talent

May 15, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

MBA students research smarter business solutions

Zackary Sutton outside wearng sunglasses and looking at the camera

Finding confidence and camaraderie in VIU’s WEST program

May 15, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Zackary Sutton shares his story

Kenya and her team smiling at the camera.

VIU students explore effectiveness of community youth programs

May 11, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Uncovering what makes youth programs successful in Nanaimo

Lavdeep sitting at a table and smiling at the camera.

Balancing parenthood and post-secondary studies

May 6, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

How support and stability is helping Lavdeep Gill pursue a career in health care

Statements & Announcements

VIU dark blue graphic ripples

A message of support following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge

February 11, 2026 - 08:45am

Two Black individuals, one raising an arm, with "Black History Month 2026" written on the left

Recognizing Black History Month 2026

February 2, 2026 - 02:23pm

VIU Nanaimo campus aerial

Clarifying VIU drug policies as drug decriminalization pilot project ends

February 2, 2026 - 08:32am

Dennis Johnson with a forest background

From the President’s Desk: Welcome to the 2026 Spring Semester

January 5, 2026 - 09:05am

An image of VIU's Nanaimo campus with snow and the message Happy Holidays from all of us at Vancouver Island University

Happy Holidays from Interim President Dr. Dennis Johnson

December 16, 2025 - 02:43pm

snow day at VIU

Severe weather closure procedures for the 2025-26 year

November 18, 2025 - 12:19pm

VIU in the News

A student runs with a ball

VIU in the news: August 17 to 30

September 2, 2025 - 08:16pm

meteor shower

VIU in the news August 2 to 15

August 15, 2025 - 04:52pm

A mountain biker navigates a rooty trail in the forest

VIU in the news: July 12 to 25

July 26, 2025 - 11:00am

Mackenzie holds the ball and runs

VIU in the news: July 7 to 11

July 11, 2025 - 04:12pm

A man sits and observes a large crack in the ground

VIU in the news: June 23 to July 7, 2025

July 8, 2025 - 08:01am

people in white coats and purple lab gloves look into microscopes

VIU in the news: June 7 to 24, 2025

June 24, 2025 - 03:01pm

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