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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

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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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Grads throw their caps in the air

VIU News & Experts: June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025 - 09:41pm

Eliot stands in front of his exhibit at the Museum of Natural History

VIU alum exhibits at Museum of Natural History in New York City

February 19, 2025 - 07:45pm

Two freight containers swinging into each other, one has the Canada flag, the other has the United States flag

VIU News & Experts: February 14, 2025

February 15, 2025 - 10:15am

VIU News & Experts: February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025 - 05:00pm

Engineering Technician Devin Ayotte and Resource Management and Protection Technician Michael Lester stand in front of marmot weigh scale

Technicians devise remote weigh scale to assess health of Vancouver Island marmots

February 4, 2025 - 03:00pm

20 Nanaimo-Ladysmith recipients of the King Charles III Medal

Retired VIU Anthropology Professor receives King Charles III Coronation Medal

February 4, 2025 - 10:45am

Paul Watkins holds up a copy of his new book in his right hand while resting his chin on the other.

Paul Watkins’ new book Soundin’ Canaan explores Black Canadian voices

January 29, 2025 - 03:15pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Ronin Carver works at a table in a graphic design classroom at VIU.

Finding my people – a cohort of design nerds

June 5, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Graphic Design student Ronin Harver shares his story

A student lies in another students arms

Theatre without barriers

April 3, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Inclusive Theatre Collective prioritizes community and belonging

Two students discuss a poster behind them, one holds a naloxone kit

MyVIU student news: April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

End of semester supports ... and fun 📚

Ian wears gloves and a lab coat and looks through a microscope

What’s hitchhiking in a Vancouver Island bird of prey?

March 26, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Unravelling the parasite mystery in barred owls

A student puts a book back on a library shelf

From mom to media studies student

March 21, 2025 By Becky Duarte

A single parent’s journey back to university

Five students talk to each other at CREATE conference

MyVIU student news: March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Budget info and research showcase 🧪

A group of students takes part in an Afro dance fusion class together

MyVIU Student Newsletter: March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Events, career advice and academic supports 📚

Statements & Announcements

Group of four people holding a cheque

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises almost $380,000 for students in need

December 6, 2024 - 03:30pm

Five women hold Christmas lights at Milner Gardens with a ladder behind them

VIU News & Experts: November 26, 2024

November 26, 2024 - 05:15pm

Brandi is wearing a blue shirt and sits with her arms on a table in front of her

Indigenous speaker shares an urgent call to action for all Canadians

November 14, 2024 - 01:15pm

A picture of a solider and his family to the left, a copy of a letter in the foreground

VIU News & Experts: November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024 - 10:45am

Text reads Severe Weather Closure with snow and a blue background

Severe weather closure notifications for the 2024-25 year

November 4, 2024 - 04:00pm

A student practices nail work on another student in the aesthetics and spa therapy classroom at VIU.

VIU Esthetics and Spa Therapy program hosts open house in new space

October 30, 2024 - 11:45am

VIU in the News

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