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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.

Give

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

Alumni spotlight on Tonia Laird

June 26, 2025 - 10:38am

Perry Bulwer speaks into a microphone with a shelf of books behind him

Alum of the Month: Perry Bulwer

January 14, 2024 - 11:45am

Jen Gerson

Independent journalist visiting VIU to talk about free speech

January 2, 2024 - 11:30am

Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs

December 18, 2023 - 03:15pm

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

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

A woman wearing tan overalls is standing in a clearing in the forest in front of a campfire.

VIU master’s student brings alternative healing program to Canada’s North

July 2, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Emily Hoefs is transforming health care in her community

a group holding paddles poses for a photo

Five things we learned in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

May 11, 2024 By Kaelan Henders and Alison Kuenzig

Tourism Management students Kaelan Henders and Alison Kuenzig share their experiences

Stuart Dixon talk into a microphone

Finding newfound purpose

May 9, 2024

From classroom to career: Stuart Dixon

“Diamond Ring” marks the end of totality as the Sun begins to peek out from behind the Moon

Chasing the total solar eclipse

May 8, 2024 By Dr. Greg Arkos

Dr. Greg Arkos travels to Mexico to view the spectacular natural event

Follow your heart on your learning journey

May 6, 2024

From classroom to career: Courtney Dubyna

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

Statements & Announcements

White lettering reading VIU on a dark blue background.

Vancouver Island University shares deficit mitigation plan

October 5, 2023 - 11:00am

Two people sign papers while a third in the background looks on

Province, First Nations and VIU announce new funding and training for Indigenous guardians protecting coastal lands and waters

October 4, 2023 - 08:00pm

Vancouver Island University examining new models for continuing education

October 3, 2023 - 09:00am

A performer on the stage during Drag in the Theatre.

Drag show offers a night of jaw-dropping and dazzling performances

September 29, 2023 - 09:45am

colourful banner that reads DiscoverFest

VIU invites public to new community event

September 25, 2023 - 01:30pm

Climate action signs and a loudspeaker on pavement

VIU News & Experts: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023 - 05:00pm

VIU in the News

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Events and Info Sessions

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