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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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Tuition and Aid

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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

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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

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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

Billy Ray Belcourt at VIU for Indigenous Speakers Series

VIU news and experts for May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026 - 02:54pm

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

Kimberly Coleman, a woman is standing in front of trees

Scholar explores mountain biking’s social impacts on Indigenous communities

January 15, 2025 - 04:15pm

Terry in garden

Alum of the month: Dr. Terry Poucette

January 7, 2025 - 03:45pm

Sandy and research assistant put something into vials

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2024

December 17, 2024 - 04:30pm

Neil Surkan smiling at the camera

5 questions with Neil Surkan, the City of Nanaimo’s new Poet Laureate

December 16, 2024 - 04:00pm

Sharon leans against a tree wearing headphones

Re-examining the toxic drug crisis through stories

December 10, 2024 - 08:45am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Kenya and her team smiling at the camera.

VIU students explore effectiveness of community youth programs

May 11, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Uncovering what makes youth programs successful in Nanaimo

Brayden Klassen smiling at the camera

Going below the surface on shoreline erosion behaviour

December 16, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Brayden Klassen shares his story

Alyona stands near a lake wearing a green shawl with pink, blue and yellow flowers over an Every Child Matters shirt.

Making headlines – Alyona Latsinnik breaks viral election night story

December 12, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Student exposes racist remarks made by candidate as part of class assignment

Happy holidays in text with background of ornaments on a tree

VIU student news: December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

The holiday break is almost here 🎄

Jesse Anderson standing outside in front of one of his machines on a sunny day.

From Heavy Equipment student to successful business owner

December 9, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Jesse Anderson shares his story

Laura Hutchinson smiling at the camera with trees in the background.

Finding her career as a biomechanics researcher

December 5, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Laura Hutchinson shares her story

Alex Bhargava stands on the Malaspina Theatre stage looking off to the left. He wears all black and blue and purple smoke swirls around him.

Lighting up the stage – Alex Bhargava shares his transformative experience

December 4, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Building resilience and confidence through VIU’s Theatre diploma

Statements & Announcements

a construction site

VIU News & Experts: February 15, 2024

February 15, 2024 - 07:00pm

Candle with light of other candles blurred in background

VIU experts on MAID and finding love in 2024 ❤️

February 9, 2024 - 08:30am

10 actors raise their hands in gratitude on a stage.

Dr. Laura Cranmer reawakens Indigenous languages through powerful play

February 8, 2024 - 03:45pm

Graphic of a hare with the text Karen Solie 2024 Gustafson Distinguished Poet's Lecture, The Path of the Hare.

Celebrated poet Karen Solie to give VIU Gustafson lecture

January 30, 2024 - 10:00am

snow on a mountain

VIU News & Experts: January 24, 2024

January 24, 2024 - 08:45pm

A cyanotype print with a hand, small shells and a seashell.

VIU’s View Gallery presents bailey macabre exhibit in collaboration with the Nanaimo Arts Council

January 23, 2024 - 01:00pm

VIU in the News

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