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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

Information Technology and Applied Systems Instructor Brandon Britt observes carl belie on a project.

Information technology students learn on state-of-the-art equipment

March 4, 2024 - 11:30am

Haley Healey head and shoulders with a forest background

Bringing to light the stories of trailblazing women

March 3, 2024 - 07:45pm

Unravelling the mystery of “mommy brain”

March 1, 2024 - 10:15am

VIU researcher exploring the cognitive effort behind achieving second-language fluency

February 28, 2024 - 09:45am

Supporting the next generation of educators

February 26, 2024 - 02:15pm

Dr. Kyle Duncan stands in front of a mass spectrometer with two students

From new insights to novel treatment options

February 26, 2024 - 01:15pm

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

salmon swimming

Introducing VIU’s new salmon scholarship winners

April 22, 2024 By Reprinted with permission from the Pacific Salmon Foundation blog

Nick Davenport and Allie Unger share their stories

Four people sit on a stage together

Bad Leaders, Bad Followers: Threats to democracy we don't talk about enough

April 19, 2024

An edition of the Engaged Citizens Speaker Series

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

Statements & Announcements

VIU campuses re-open at noon today (February 28)

February 28, 2023 - 10:00am

Severe weather closure written in a snowy graphic

Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses and Parksville centre closed for the morning (February 28) due to severe weather

February 28, 2023 - 06:00am

Students look at sea urchins together

VIU Media Highlights: February 16

February 16, 2023 - 04:30pm

A student speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd

More than a thousand students Discover VIU at open house events next week

February 16, 2023 - 12:15pm

Melanie P. Loureiro stands in front of several bins of mussels and holds onel in her left hand.

VIU’s Seafood Business Accelerator program will help small-scale harvesters find their niche

February 16, 2023 - 12:00pm

VIU named a top employer for the fourth year in a row

February 16, 2023 - 09:15am

VIU in the News

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