Search

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

Talk to a recruiter

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

Connect with a
recruiter

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

Lisa LeClerc smiling at the camera

Alumni spotlight: Lisa Leclerc

January 27, 2026 - 09:59am

Jen Gerson

Independent journalist visiting VIU to talk about free speech

January 2, 2024 - 11:30am

Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs

December 18, 2023 - 03:15pm

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

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

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

People sit in a circle with a banner behind them that reads Africa is not for sale.

Through the lens – Kashmir Lesnick-Petrovicz captures activism in South Africa

April 11, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Global Studies student showcased her work through exhibit

Group photo with a view of the ocean and trees behind them

Student Pulse News: April 4, 2024

April 4, 2024

You're almost there! 🍏

A group of people sit at a table, all holding copies of the same book

Learning about leading

March 30, 2024 By Dr. Evan Hoffman, VIU Faculty of Management Professor

Why your organization should join a reading circle

Statements & Announcements

Slide with VIU Experts List written on it

New Vancouver Island University Experts List highlights faculty insights and expertise

April 26, 2023 - 04:15pm

Portal cover. A list of contributor names runs along the left side and several multi-coloured swan boats line the shore of a lake with a mountain range in the background.

Portal magazine celebrates a garden of stories at Bowen Park

April 14, 2023 - 10:00am

Slide with VIU Experts List written on it

VIU News & Experts: April 13, 2023

April 13, 2023 - 05:15pm

Michael MacKenzie sits on a bench in front of a stone building

Expert in democracy and public trust joins Vancouver Island University

April 12, 2023 - 04:00pm

new programs at VIU advertisement

New courses at Vancouver Island University offer deep dive into Island culture

April 1, 2023 - 08:15am

Planetary alignment

VIU News & Experts: March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023 - 01:15pm

VIU in the News

Sign up for the VIU news and experts email

Sign up for news emails

Connect with Us!

Phone or email us

Events and Info Sessions

View events

Ready to join us at VIU?

Start Your application