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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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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

Stephen Hextall leans against a railing with trees and a lake in the background.

Alum of the Month: Stephen Hextall

November 20, 2024 - 12:30pm

How advertising imagery reveals Canada’s tourism and transportation narratives

November 19, 2024 - 12:30pm

Picture of a landscape scene with one half a dried-up desert and the other half a grassy, flower meadow

Explore climate change with VIU experts

November 14, 2024 - 12:30pm

Jakob Tortorelli, Elise Cole and Dr. Mike Asmussen conduct research in Asmussen’s lab at the VIU Nanaimo campus

VIU researcher studying how to better people’s long-term ability to walk and run

November 6, 2024 - 01:30pm

Vancouver Island University hosts provincial recreation conference

November 5, 2024 - 12:15pm

Katharina wears a poppy and holds a copy of her translation of All Quiet on the Western Front

VIU Professor Emerita re-translates All Quiet on the Western Front

November 4, 2024 - 08:00pm

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

A group of students sits in cool chairs talking with each other

Finding your place at VIU

October 22, 2024 By Becky Duarte

A guide to getting involved in campus life

Three students serve food outside the cafeteria

Are you saying yes to too much? 🤔

October 16, 2024

VIU student newsletter: October 16 edition

Four people stand in front of Shq'apthut: A Gathering Place

Meet the staff in Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place

October 16, 2024

Kerry, Brittany, Lyn and Heather are here for you

Three students sit at a table and look at a laptop screen together

The importance of knowing when to say yes and no

October 9, 2024 By Becky Duarte

Stepping out of your comfort zone – strategically

Hilary Peach smiling at the camera

From boilermaker to award-winning book author

October 9, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Hilary Peach shares her story

Four students walk together with festival in background

VIU student news: October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

Come to VIU Fest for free fall fun 🥳

Statements & Announcements

Three people walk along a lighted path that is illuminated with a rainbow light projection. Trees along the side of the path are strung with white, yellow, green and blue lights.

Milner Gardens & Woodland illuminated with thousands of lights this holiday season

November 27, 2023 - 12:15pm

Culinary arts students serve their seaweed creations to attendees during Urchin Tank, 2022.

VIU students showcase innovative seafood creations during Urchin Tank

November 20, 2023 - 10:30am

Graphic reads VIU expert spotlight with a person getting interviewed in the background

VIU News & Experts: November 16, 2023

November 16, 2023 - 05:00pm

Indigenous speaker elevates the voices of the “Reconciliation Generation”

November 15, 2023 - 05:00pm

Sarah types on a laptop in a classroom

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign helps students reach for their dreams

November 14, 2023 - 09:00am

Graphic that reads Message from the President

President's message on the crisis in the Middle East

November 6, 2023 - 12:30pm

VIU in the News

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