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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

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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

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

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

A sea urchin with brown stripes and green spikes.

Let's Explore the Sea Floor: Sea Urchins

March 9, 2021 By Olivia Alexander

Have you ever found a sea urchin shell along the beach?

University Scholars shed light on the need to broaden social work education

University Scholars Shed Light on the Need to Broaden Social Work Education

February 25, 2021 By Annette Lucas

VIU professor wants social work education to include more world views and local parenting models.

student smiling outside of library

VIU Student Pulse News: February 24, 2021

February 24, 2021

Course lists for summer session, job hunting advice, scholarships and tax help

Condoms on veggies

Let's talk about (safe) sex

February 24, 2021 By Healthy U Cowichan

Health tips from VIU Nursing students

Sonnet L’Abbé sits on a stool on the Port Theatre's stage in front of a multi-coloured pink, blue and purple lighted background.

Community Vision: Poet Sings Song about being Black in Nanaimo

February 23, 2021 By Rachel Stern, VIU Communications Officer

VIU Creative Writing and Journalism Professor Sonnet L’Abbé’s song commissioned for REIMAGINE Nanaimo campaign.

Sebastian Abboud's REIMAGINE Nanaimo illustration has pops of highlighter yellow and pink and depicts cycling, walking, buses and more.

Community Vision: Illustrator Shares Hope for Better Future

February 22, 2021 By Rachel Stern, VIU Communications Officer

VIU Graphic Design Professor Sebastian Abboud’s artwork commissioned for REIMAGINE Nanaimo campaign.

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