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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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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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aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Sharon Karsten standing outside on a sunny day and smiling at the camera.

VIU researcher aims to improve hospital care for people who use substances

July 6, 2026 - 01:46pm

Jack sits on stairs, leans his head on his hand

Documentary filmmaker uncovers history of Chinese-Canadian war hero

May 16, 2025 - 12:23pm

A person wearing a chef hat and chef jacket is holding up a Nanaimo bar dessert.

VIU students to create the world’s largest Nanaimo bar

May 8, 2025 - 01:06pm

Alum spotlight on Gregory Vandergrift

April 30, 2025 - 01:18pm

A person wearing a welding helmet is sitting at a desk trying a welding simulator machine

VIU trades programs showcase career opportunities at two events this week

April 29, 2025 - 09:43am

Three people survey a river

VIU news and experts: April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025 - 03:07pm

Aerial view of Nanaimo campus

VIU Media Studies showcase on April 24 debuts student work

April 24, 2025 - 09:49am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Rebecca-Duarte-graduating-with-her-friends

From homesick to hopeful: Five things I’m grateful for after 3.5 years at VIU

July 2, 2026 By Becky Duarte

Becky Duarte reflects on a transformative university journey

Male student leaning on a chair in a library

VIU student researches perceptions of women’s rights in Iran

April 17, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Reza Arbabi is investigating the views of Canadians on this topic

Three students wearing Urchin Tank T-Shirts talk while sitting at a table

MyVIU student news: April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Semester end is almost here 🙌

a woman studies at a desk in the library

Unlock your study superpowers

April 12, 2025 By Samantha Letourneau, Peer-Supported Learning Coordinator

How peer-supported learning strategies can help you prep for exams

Sarima Amadi looks into a microscope in the biology lab, while wearing a white lab coat.

Could a common tire chemical threaten fruit flies?

April 9, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Sarima Amadi investigates impact of tire toxins

A student lies in another students arms

Theatre without barriers

April 3, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Inclusive Theatre Collective prioritizes community and belonging

Two students discuss a poster behind them, one holds a naloxone kit

MyVIU student news: April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

End of semester supports ... and fun 📚

Statements & Announcements

Aerial view of VIU's Nanaimo campus

Statement about encampment on the VIU campus

May 7, 2024 - 05:15pm

Students gather around three screens on a desk with a projection of an image on the wall behind them.

VIU Media Studies hosts Showcase and Social on April 25

April 18, 2024 - 02:00pm

An illustrated image of a woman with purple skin and blue strokes on her skin with red flowers in her hair.

Portal “rewires and connects” at the launch of its 2024 issue

April 16, 2024 - 11:45am

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 in the News

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