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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.

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Admissions

Tuition and Aid

How to become a student

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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

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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

VIU Research Assistants Elise Cullon and Katie Carroll. Katie shows Elise a document.

Preserving feminist health history to empower future activism and work

October 1, 2024 - 01:30pm

A woman wearing an orange t-shirt for Truth and Reconciliation Day putting her hands on a large tree in an act of gratitude/

Writing from the heart – my reflections on how to action reconciliation

September 29, 2024 - 02:00pm

Carolyn Swanson

5 Questions with Dr. Carolyn Swanson

September 25, 2024 - 02:45pm

Actors Makenna Paugh, Cameron Greer and Ellie Crawford rehearse a scene from Tough.

Life’s unexpected realities explored in VIU Theatre department’s studio play – Tough

September 24, 2024 - 02:45pm

Three installation art pieces by Connie Michele Morey at the View Gallery.

VIU’s View Gallery presents Threadbare, an exhibit by Connie Michele Morey

September 11, 2024 - 09:30am

VIU Computer Science professor investigating AI privacy concerns among young users

September 3, 2024 - 01:30pm

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

Two students showcase their Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic work for the food sovereignty project.

VIU students design sustainable food systems

August 16, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Trades students gain valuable real-world experience

Two actors rehearse with scripts in their hand near a bench in a park.

Ali Dillion-Cardinal amplifies teen voices in compelling play

August 7, 2024 By Rachel Stern

VIU Creative Writing student’s powerful work featured at Nanaimo Fringe Festival

Allie Unger leans against a railing at Ucluelet harbour with boats anchored in the background.

Hands-on learning draws Allie Unger to VIU Fisheries and Aquaculture diploma

July 30, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Meet this year’s VIU Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal recipient

Christin Collishaw sitting outside in a swing at beach and smiling at the camera

From social work to sustainable leisure management

July 22, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Christin Collishaw shares her story

A young woman with long dark hair laghing with friends.

VIU student wins coveted administration award

July 22, 2024

How getting involved helped Julia Morris get ahead

a power engineer inspects large tanks in a big machine room with sunlight peeking through the window

Find your new career path as a power engineer

July 18, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

VIU’s next program intake is this fall

Statements & Announcements

Two people sign papers while a third in the background looks on

Province, First Nations and VIU announce new funding and training for Indigenous guardians protecting coastal lands and waters

October 4, 2023 - 08:00pm

Vancouver Island University examining new models for continuing education

October 3, 2023 - 09:00am

A performer on the stage during Drag in the Theatre.

Drag show offers a night of jaw-dropping and dazzling performances

September 29, 2023 - 09:45am

colourful banner that reads DiscoverFest

VIU invites public to new community event

September 25, 2023 - 01:30pm

Climate action signs and a loudspeaker on pavement

VIU News & Experts: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023 - 05:00pm

A canoe sits on a stand with drawings hanging on the gallery wall's behind it.

VIU’s View Gallery presents an exhibition featuring faculty artists

September 20, 2023 - 02:30pm

VIU in the News

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