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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

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

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

Avi Stenberg holding an award and smiling at the camera

VIU Culinary Instructor receives gold certification in Japanese cooking

March 2, 2023 - 01:00pm

VIU Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Program Chair Shannon Dames with VIU Elder-in-Residence C-tasi:a Geraldine Manson standing outside in front of totem poles and smiling at the camera

VIU launches collaborative psychedelic research centre

March 2, 2023 - 12:15pm

A group of VIU Mariners women's volleyball teammates celebrate in a circle on the volleyball court

VIU women’s volleyball team seeks national title on home turf

March 1, 2023 - 02:30pm

A woman with her back to the camera sits on a swing tied to a tree in a clearing on the top of a mountain looking down at the water below on a sunny evening.

Researchers asking Cowichan region residents how they feel about tourism

February 8, 2023 - 10:30am

Chris Gill in an alleyway

VIU Media Highlights: February 3, 2023

February 3, 2023 - 02:45pm

Three woman standing and chatting in front of a table on which sits two globes.

Global Citizens Week promotes solidarity in action

January 30, 2023 - 11:45am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

three female students in a classroom smiling and looking at an assignment

New entrance scholarship process gives future VIU students more certainty

December 16, 2025

Record amount of funding available for entrance scholarships

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

Madeline kozubal wearing mechanics coveralls standing in front of a school bus engine and smiling at the camera

Dual Credit program sparks interest in trades careers

December 4, 2023 By Eric Zimmer

Madeline Kozubal shares her story

Ezat Haidary wering a reflective vests and safety goggles in the carpentry shop, giving a thumbs up and smiling at the camera.

Refugee finds future career path with new VIU program

November 28, 2023 By Eric Zimmer

Ezat Haidary shares his story

People dancing with sparklers

VIU Student Pulse News: November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023

Need some program/course advice? 📚

A person typing on a laptop with a graphic of a robot and person with ChatGPT written between them

Artificial intelligence in the classroom

November 22, 2023 By Becky Duarte

A student’s guide to using tools like ChatGPT

Alisha wearing a blue sweater standing in front of a fence

Reducing inequality through community planning

November 18, 2023

From classroom to career: Alisha Feser

Statements & Announcements

Severe Weather Closure graphic

Tuesday, November 29: Nanaimo, Cowichan and Parksville Closed for evening classes

November 29, 2022 - 02:00pm

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

VIU in the News

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