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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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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Leon Potter sitting on the stage and smiling at the camera.

VIU Theatre Chair takes centre stage with Nanaimo culture award

April 24, 2026 - 01:37pm

Nicole Smith with the waterfront in the background

Alumni spotlight on: Nicole Smith

April 7, 2026 - 09:41pm

a student points at a poster board during the create conference

VIU students showcase research work during annual CREATE conference

March 26, 2026 - 04:15pm

A student stands in front of a railing with her arms crossed

VIU news and experts for March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026 - 02:09pm

Bridging the gap between health care and housing in small cities

March 17, 2026 - 09:46pm

The VIU gym full of booths and career fair participants

VIU hosts large Career Fair for public

March 17, 2026 - 08:13am

Ryan Bastian wearing a Mariners uniform running with the basketball during a game in a gym.

VIU Mariners men’s basketball team goes for national gold on home turf

March 9, 2026 - 08:35am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Madelyn in the cafeteria with her research poster

What does the public really think about restorative justice?

April 28, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Criminology student Maddy Reetham-Clayton aims to find out for a community partner

Laci standing outside and smiling at the camera

Finding purpose in recovery

March 12, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Laci Schulenborg receives national recognition for work with local service organization

three students look at a robotic car on a table

Got questions about university? Let’s talk VIU

March 5, 2026 By Francesca Paladino

We’re here to help you navigate your next step with confidence

Waves imagery with International Women's Day written over top

Redefining leadership, together

March 4, 2026

Female leaders share reflections in advance of International Women’s Day 2026

Two coaches lean in for an embrace

Longtime Mariners coaches stepping away from roles after storied careers

February 23, 2026

Matt Kuzminski and Tony Bryce are saying goodbye to their time as court sport leaders

Students-on-the-beach

Island Life 101: Totem poles, beach days and goats on the roof

February 18, 2026 By Chioma Azike

A beginner’s guide to mid-Island day trips

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

Statements & Announcements

VIU dark blue graphic ripples

A message of support following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge

February 11, 2026 - 08:45am

Two Black individuals, one raising an arm, with "Black History Month 2026" written on the left

Recognizing Black History Month 2026

February 2, 2026 - 02:23pm

VIU Nanaimo campus aerial

Clarifying VIU drug policies as drug decriminalization pilot project ends

February 2, 2026 - 08:32am

Dennis Johnson with a forest background

From the President’s Desk: Welcome to the 2026 Spring Semester

January 5, 2026 - 09:05am

An image of VIU's Nanaimo campus with snow and the message Happy Holidays from all of us at Vancouver Island University

Happy Holidays from Interim President Dr. Dennis Johnson

December 16, 2025 - 02:43pm

snow day at VIU

Severe weather closure procedures for the 2025-26 year

November 18, 2025 - 12:19pm

VIU in the News

Isabelle with fruits and veggies piled in front of her

VIU in the news: October 1 to 10, 2025

October 11, 2025 - 01:15pm

a male sits on a workout box

VIU in the news: September 16 to 30, 2025

October 1, 2025 - 05:13pm

Two students stand at a booth

VIU in the news: September 1 to 15, 2025

September 15, 2025 - 12:15pm

A student runs with a ball

VIU in the news: August 17 to 30

September 2, 2025 - 08:16pm

meteor shower

VIU in the news August 2 to 15

August 15, 2025 - 04:52pm

A mountain biker navigates a rooty trail in the forest

VIU in the news: July 12 to 25

July 26, 2025 - 11:00am

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