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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.

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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

Billy Ray Belcourt at VIU for Indigenous Speakers Series

VIU news and experts for May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026 - 02:54pm

Danielle Hyde on the left receiving her award from a CCAA representative

VIU's Danielle Hyde named 2023 CCAA Athletic Director of the Year

June 14, 2023 - 08:45am

Meara Kimball is dressed in suspenders and jeans with a shirt that says Dash on it

Dash Dauntless: VIU’s professional wrestler

June 7, 2023 - 03:00am

rainbow circle with arrows making the colours that says Thrive Here in the middle

Benefits Overview: Where do You Turn When You’re Not Sure Where to Turn?

June 5, 2023 - 02:15pm

5 Questions with Melissa Huggan

May 31, 2023 - 11:30am

Dr. Michael Asmussen sitting in a tree and smiling at the camera.

Vancouver Island University welcomes award-winning foot and ankle researcher

May 24, 2023 - 03:30pm

Ashley Kuramoto smiles with a natural and/or garden background

Alum of the Month: Ashley Kuramoto

May 20, 2023 - 05:45pm

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

How is failure valuable?

December 21, 2023

Dr. Mike Roberson shares three perspectives on the value of failure

How were special effects created before electricity and cameras?

December 12, 2023

Leon Potter takes people behind the curtain to learn about theatre magic

Jingjing sits at a desk in her hospital unit

The power of persistence and a helping hand

December 9, 2023

Jingjing Li shares her story

How are contemporary feminisms negotiated in TV comedies?

December 8, 2023

Comedies allow people to talk about taboo topics

Student pose with Santa

VIU Student Pulse News: December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

Exam prep and festive fun 🎄

A woman sits at a desk in a library with a laptop open surrounded by books

Surviving exam season

December 4, 2023 By Samantha Allan

When the situation feels dire, a survival guide goes a long way

Statements & Announcements

Culinary arts and microbiology students in the lab

VIU Media Highlights: November 23, 2022

November 23, 2022 - 03:30pm

VIU's Indigenous Speakers Series featuring Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn)

Indigenous speaker shares story of fight for the return of traditional lands

November 22, 2022 - 11:15am

Red, green and blue Christmas lights adorn trees and bushes and the roof of Milner House.

Milner Gardens & Woodland’s festive light display is full of holiday magic

November 22, 2022 - 11:15am

A person holding an orange rose stands in front of the plaque dedicated to the 14 young women who were murdered in the 1989 massacre at École Polytechnique.

Status of Women committee asks people to “Unite to end violence” during 16 Days of Activism

November 21, 2022 - 10:30am

A group poses with the Career Studio sign and banner

VIU launches new service to help connect students and employers

November 18, 2022 - 09:45am

Giving Tuesday postcard

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign raises funds for students in need

November 17, 2022 - 01:00pm

VIU in the News

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