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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

Admissions

Tuition and Aid

How to become a student

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Steps to become a student

Student Life Student Life

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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

Milner House framed by blooming flowers and foliage

Milner Gardens & Woodland launches five-year strategic plan

July 11, 2025 - 08:22am

Dr. Serene Kerpan standing outside against a backdrop of greenery and smiling at the camera.

VIU professor researching impacts of prenatal opioid exposure with First Nations communities

December 13, 2023 - 01:30pm

VIU Nursing professor Dr. Caroline Variath standing outside on a sunny day and smiling at the camera

VIU professor using patient-oriented approach to medical assistance in dying research

December 12, 2023 - 11:45am

A mountain biker takes in the views on a sunny day

VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley

December 7, 2023 - 12:00pm

Three women smile, one holding a bunch of balloons, another holding a heart balloon near her face

VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023 - 02:00pm

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 Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Jenna waves at the camera in a square

Why you should say YES to studying abroad

July 14, 2025 By Jenna Gill

Finding friendship, direction and adventure overseas: Jenna Gill

How has VIU’s Portal magazine evolved over the years?

May 2, 2024

Joy Gugeler explores evolution from chapbook to national magazine

Students frame up a home with an ocean view in the background

Scuttle Bay home welcomes support from VIU’s tiwšɛmawtxʷ Carpentry Apprentice Program

May 1, 2024 By Steve Gallagher, Neh Motl Editor, reprinted with permission

Hands-on learning - with a view

Using an Ojibwe lens to examine Margaret Atwood’s novel MaddAddam

April 29, 2024

Bryn Skibo advocates the value of Indigenous ways of knowing in academic discourse

VIU Geoscience student earns coveted spot in mineral exploration workshop

April 23, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Aiden Kilcommons is excited to learn from top industry experts

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

Statements & Announcements

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

three automotive students receive instruction from a teacher in the shop

VIU supports newcomers to Canada pursue trades careers

August 11, 2023 - 10:45am

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