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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.

Find your program Learning Services

Programs

Learning Services

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Explore your options with one of our friendly recruiters. Online and in-person meetings available.

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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

Mandy Hobkirk uses an identification book while examining plants at VIU's Nanaimo Campus.

BioBlitz Event Provides a Snapshot of Plant and Animal Biodiversity

April 7, 2021 - 10:15am

Cam Wipper in front of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope

Alum of the Month: Cam Wipper

March 24, 2021 - 09:30am

VIU Students Find Creative Ways to Support Children and Families During COVID

VIU Students Find Creative Ways to Support Children and Families During COVID

March 12, 2021 - 01:00pm

Micah Messent posing in Haida Gwaii

VIU Alum Makes an Impact Through Endowment Awards

March 8, 2021 - 10:15am

Irlanda Gonzalez-Price, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs

Student Affairs shows its Compassion during Pandemic

February 26, 2021 - 02:30am

Complete List: Long Service Honourees for 2020

February 26, 2021 - 02:00am

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

View of VIU campus looking towards Gabriola Island on sunny day

13 unique VIU places to discover

September 13, 2022

An art gallery, high-end restaurant and fully equipped theatre are just some of the offerings

Student leaning on his arm staring dejectedly at a laptop screen with a pile of books beside him

How to deal with burnout

September 13, 2022 By Natasha Labenek

Tips for managing social, emotional and academic overwhelm

Head shot of Mike Quinn standing in front of the Centre for Health and Science at VIU's Nanaimo campus

A welcome note from Dr. Mike Quinn, VIU Provost

September 8, 2022

An introduction and reminder that you are not alone on your university journey

Black student holds arms out in welcome standing in front of the rainbow stairs

Free stuff, academic supports & making new friends

August 31, 2022

Student Pulse News: August 31, 2022

Four students look at a textbook together around a table

Introducing VIU’s new Career Studio

August 31, 2022 By Kashish Khanna

A one-stop solution for all your career needs

Samantha Beyond sitting and looking directly at camera

Creating a literary connection for Indigenous kids

August 30, 2022 By Eric Zimmer

VIU Education student Samantha Beynon is now a published author

Statements & Announcements

Dr. Judith Sayers, VIU's new Chancellor

VIU Appoints Dr. Judith Sayers as New Chancellor

August 10, 2020 - 02:15pm

VIU President Receives Indigenous Women in Leadership Award

July 24, 2020 - 10:00am

Milner Garden & Woodland Creates New Legacy Endowment Fund

July 21, 2020 - 03:45pm

William Litchfield, Associate Vice-President, Community Partnerships

VIU Creates New Office of Community Partnerships

July 8, 2020 - 12:15pm

Virtual Graduation Celebration 2020

July 7, 2020 - 11:45am

Improving access to quality, affordable child care in Nanaimo

June 25, 2020 - 01:15pm

VIU in the News

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