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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

Eliza Gardiner holds a bouquet of red roses and stands next to Joy Gugeler and a student during the 2022 vigil.

National Day of Remembrance vigil will “reaffirm commitment to fight against hatred and misogyny”

November 24, 2023 - 10:00am

VIU researcher examining how microbes could protect frogs and Pacific oysters from diseases

November 22, 2023 - 09:45am

VIU Women's Soccer Coach Bobbi Taylor

VIU’s Bobbie Taylor named CCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year

November 8, 2023 - 02:00pm

Stephen Davies sits at his computer with a digitized letter on the screen

Putting a human face to the Canadian war experience

November 7, 2023 - 02:15pm

Three women smile at camera

VIU celebrates local and global community during WorldVIU Days

October 30, 2023 - 02:45pm

Mary Clare stands next to a lamppost with flowers trailing down it

Alum of the Month: Mary Clare Massicotte

October 20, 2023 - 12:45pm

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

Paige Pierce standing in front of the ocean, wearing a green dress and turning back to smile at the camera

Creating connections through poetry

February 28, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

VIU Education student Paige Pierce is Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate

a man speaks next to a screen in front of a packed room

Who was Israel Wood Powell?

February 24, 2024

Examining the origins of settler colonial rule in British Columbia

Daniel gardin er

VIU’s accounting program adds up to career success

February 23, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Four graduates in the field share their stories

Four students interact around a desk

VIU Student Pulse News: February 21, 2024

February 21, 2024

Make the most of Study Days 📚

Students sit blanketed at VIU Cowichan

Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo’: Quw’utsun Mustimuhw Hwialasmut tu Tumuhw

February 16, 2024

(Koksilah River: Cowichan Peoples Take Care of the Land)

Tony miyoshi and sam statchuk

Studying overseas with international scholarships

February 15, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Tony Miyoshi and Sam Statchuk share their stories

Statements & Announcements

Words Severe Weather Closure written with a snowy background

VIU's Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses closed due to severe weather

December 20, 2022 - 05:45am

Equity Diversity Inclusion rainbow hands

Count Yourself IN! Launch of Employee Diversity Identity Census

December 14, 2022 - 12:30am

Student in grad cap hugs someone with words Giving Tuesday on side

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 for students in need

December 7, 2022 - 02:00pm

Roses on snow with a Moose Hide Campaign poster

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Vigil happening today

December 6, 2022 - 10:00am

Sunday, December 4: All campuses and locations open for regular Sunday activities

December 4, 2022 - 08:00am

Sunday, December 4: All campuses and locations open for regular Sunday activities

December 4, 2022 - 08:00am

VIU in the News

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