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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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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

three students holding red heart cookies and a thank you sign

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $480,000 for students in need

December 4, 2025 - 04:09pm

Carpentry student Emily Behm standing in front of the tiny home she and her classmates are building at the Cowichan Trades Centre

VIU carpentry students learn by building tiny home

March 20, 2024 - 01:15pm

5 Questions with Ajay Shrestha

March 19, 2024 - 10:45am

Kristie Dewald with a blurred background, wearing a white blazer

5 Questions with Kristie Dewald

March 14, 2024 - 09:30am

Biologist, Ally Badger, kneels in a river surrounded by rocks and water while collecting samples.

VIU researchers investigating origins of toxic tire chemical that can kill salmon

March 12, 2024 - 01:45pm

Marni in front of her comic collection

VIU library welcomes large comic book collection

March 8, 2024 - 02:45pm

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

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Kylie smiling at the camera wearing a red shirt.

From “I’m not sure I belong” to “I know I can”

December 18, 2025 By Eric Zimmer

How VIU’s Pathways program helped Kylie rebuild confidence, discover purpose and step into a nursing career

Chelsey Watts stands amongst bushes and trees holding a bird.

Preserving nature’s music for future generations

June 18, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Chelsey Watts researches local bird species

A group of graduates smile and listen to speeches

VIU Student Pulse News: June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024

Hilltop hikes & bookish support: A summer tale

Chiara Sedola standing in front of a bookshelf and smiling at the camera

Liberal Studies student takes research to international conference

June 11, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Chiara Sedola presented her work in Washington, DC.

Mostafa Mohensi with his arms crossed and looking at the camera

How can English as a Second Language training help you meet your career goals?

June 4, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Mostafa Mohseni and Violeta Bermudez share their stories

Philip Lawton leaning on railing and looking at the camera

Finding his career path with VIU’s ABE program

June 3, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Philip Lawton’s goal is to become a dental hygienist

Tyson holds up his Ma Murray award

Alum wins coveted Ma Murray award for feature writing

June 2, 2024

Tyson Whitney’s feature series for the North Island’s ongoing hospital closures picked up the gold medal this year.

Statements & Announcements

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

A group wearing Pride t-shirts poses for a photo with the pride flag

Statement in support of LGBTQ2S+ students, staff and families

September 20, 2023 - 08:45am

Colloquium series begins with a talk about TV shows Chewing Gum and Fleabag

September 19, 2023 - 03:00pm

Claire Grogan portrait

VIU welcomes new Dean of Arts and Humanities

August 28, 2023 - 01:00pm

Girl with arms spread wide, tents behind her

VIU News & Experts: August 28, 2023

August 28, 2023 - 11:45am

VIU in the News

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