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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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Explore your options with one of our friendly recruiters. Online and in-person meetings available.

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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

Saving salmon and keeping the romance alive

February 5, 2026 - 11:50am

Visiting from Kyoto, Japan, Motoi Kurisu, Executive Chef at Arashiyama Kumahiko and President of Kumahiko Co. Ltd. gave a demonstration to VIU Culinary students this week to help celebrate the launch of the new certification. Photo: Vancouver Island Univ

Vancouver Island University launches new Japanese cooking skills certification

November 4, 2022 - 10:15am

VIU Mariners dance team jumps into the air

RockVIU 2022 Welcome to Campus: A message of appreciation

October 31, 2022 - 08:15am

A group of people in various cultural attire standing in front of a WorldVIU sign on the steps of the VIU library

VIU connects with local and global community at WorldVIU Days

October 25, 2022 - 01:00pm

VIU Culinary Arts student Darlene Charlie making a sandwich in the Birch Tree cafe kitchen and smiling at the camera

VIU Culinary Arts program in qathet region finds recipe for success

October 13, 2022 - 03:00pm

Burn scars on peatlands in Central Kalimantan province, Indonesia.

Severe fire activity declines in Equatorial Asia

September 28, 2022 - 10:30am

Kelly Black looks off to the horizon with a mountain in the distance.

5 Questions with Kelly Black

September 27, 2022 - 01:30pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Christina smiling at the camera while wearing a VIU Nursing shirt.

From financial stress to full focus

February 11, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

How scholarships are powering future nurse Christina Gustafsson

three students pose with the city of Nanaimo in the background

Things to do in Nanaimo

September 18, 2023 By Becky Duarte

Get to know your new hometown

Four students hang out in a dorm

Student Pulse News: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

September 13, 2023

Find your perfect part-time job 💼

a group of students wearing VIU T-Shirts addresses a crowd

3 reasons to become a student ambassador

September 12, 2023 By Shelby Bell

Building connections with your university community

Signing document decorative

Navigating rental agreements

September 11, 2023 By Michael Witcomb, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator

Common off-campus rental housing issues

Aerial view of VIU's Nanaimo campus

Welcome to the new academic year

September 10, 2023

A message from Irlanda Gonzalez Price, AVP, Student Affairs

closeup of students' legs dressed in business attire sitting on chairs

10 ways to stand out at a job fair

September 8, 2023 By By Ariann Sigsworth, Career Practitioner Student

Tips from the Career Studio

Statements & Announcements

Three people standing in front of a VIU residence building

VIU hosts summer camps for Indigenous students

June 29, 2022 - 02:15pm

VIU welcomes new Provost and Vice-President Academic

June 21, 2022 - 02:30pm

Three students backlit by the sun

Paper Excellence and Vancouver Island University create Indigenous Success Fund

June 21, 2022 - 02:30pm

A common loon swimming in a lake with a chick riding on its back.

VIU’s View Gallery presents Photo Salon 2022 hosted by Harbour City Photography Club

June 16, 2022 - 02:00pm

Portrait photo of William Good

VIU awards honorary degree to Coast Salish Master Carver and Traditional Storyteller

June 15, 2022 - 11:45am

Barbara Paterson

VIU awards honorary degree to acclaimed Canadian sculpture artist

June 15, 2022 - 11:45am

VIU in the News

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