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About About

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.

Find your program Learning Services

Programs

Learning Services

Start in January

September is not the only time to start a VIU program. Many have January intakes.

See January intake

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.

Give

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

A picture of Marie Wilson with some event details

A Conversation with Marie Wilson – 10 Years After the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

September 4, 2025 - 12:51pm

Information Technology and Applied Systems Instructor Brandon Britt observes carl belie on a project.

Information technology students learn on state-of-the-art equipment

March 4, 2024 - 11:30am

Haley Healey head and shoulders with a forest background

Bringing to light the stories of trailblazing women

March 3, 2024 - 07:45pm

Unravelling the mystery of “mommy brain”

March 1, 2024 - 10:15am

VIU researcher exploring the cognitive effort behind achieving second-language fluency

February 28, 2024 - 09:45am

Supporting the next generation of educators

February 26, 2024 - 02:15pm

Dr. Kyle Duncan stands in front of a mass spectrometer with two students

From new insights to novel treatment options

February 26, 2024 - 01:15pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Caitlin Lundgren standing outside leaning on a railing on a sunny day and looking at the camera.

VIU alum makes impact in community through media industry

September 10, 2025

From Classroom to Career: Caitlin Lundgren

Chiara Sedola standing in front of a bookshelf and smiling at the camera

Liberal Studies student takes research to international conference

June 11, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Chiara Sedola presented her work in Washington, DC.

Mostafa Mohensi with his arms crossed and looking at the camera

How can English as a Second Language training help you meet your career goals?

June 4, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Mostafa Mohseni and Violeta Bermudez share their stories

Philip Lawton leaning on railing and looking at the camera

Finding his career path with VIU’s ABE program

June 3, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Philip Lawton’s goal is to become a dental hygienist

Tyson holds up his Ma Murray award

Alum wins coveted Ma Murray award for feature writing

June 2, 2024

Tyson Whitney’s feature series for the North Island’s ongoing hospital closures picked up the gold medal this year.

A girl holds a bird in her hands

VIU Student Pulse News: May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024

Tips for a productive Summer Semester

Split photo of Logan on the right and Esther on the left

Taking their skills to the national stage

May 27, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

VIU students Logan Cursley and Esther Popma will compete in Quebec City

Statements & Announcements

Mixed media painting of a red, white and dark blue boat with a trailer in front of it on the shoreline.

VIU’s View Gallery hosts an exhibit featuring Nanaimo and mid-Island artists

October 10, 2023 - 02:45pm

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VIU News & Experts: October 6, 2023

October 6, 2023 - 04:30pm

White lettering reading VIU on a dark blue background.

Vancouver Island University shares deficit mitigation plan

October 5, 2023 - 11:00am

Two people sign papers while a third in the background looks on

Province, First Nations and VIU announce new funding and training for Indigenous guardians protecting coastal lands and waters

October 4, 2023 - 08:00pm

Vancouver Island University examining new models for continuing education

October 3, 2023 - 09:00am

A performer on the stage during Drag in the Theatre.

Drag show offers a night of jaw-dropping and dazzling performances

September 29, 2023 - 09:45am

VIU in the News

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