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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

Harold Chandra sits at a blue table outside

VIU reaches halfway mark on campaign to remove financial barriers for students

April 30, 2026 - 11:14am

Kimberly Coleman, a woman is standing in front of trees

Scholar explores mountain biking’s social impacts on Indigenous communities

January 15, 2025 - 04:15pm

Terry in garden

Alum of the month: Dr. Terry Poucette

January 7, 2025 - 03:45pm

Sandy and research assistant put something into vials

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2024

December 17, 2024 - 04:30pm

Neil Surkan smiling at the camera

5 questions with Neil Surkan, the City of Nanaimo’s new Poet Laureate

December 16, 2024 - 04:00pm

Sharon leans against a tree wearing headphones

Re-examining the toxic drug crisis through stories

December 10, 2024 - 08:45am

group of people holding awards

VIU Elders receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

November 28, 2024 - 03:30pm

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

Jesse Anderson standing outside in front of one of his machines on a sunny day.

From Heavy Equipment student to successful business owner

December 9, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Jesse Anderson shares his story

Laura Hutchinson smiling at the camera with trees in the background.

Finding her career as a biomechanics researcher

December 5, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Laura Hutchinson shares her story

Alex Bhargava stands on the Malaspina Theatre stage looking off to the left. He wears all black and blue and purple smoke swirls around him.

Lighting up the stage – Alex Bhargava shares his transformative experience

December 4, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Building resilience and confidence through VIU’s Theatre diploma

Two students walk near the stairs at VIU, one carries an umbrella

VIU Student News: November 27, 2024

November 27, 2024

Managing stress, study support and WorldVIU Days 🌍

One friend helps another with homework

Managing stress

November 26, 2024 By Becky Duarte

Strategies for a successful end of term

Leah serves food to students

Student newsletter: November 13 edition

November 13, 2024

Next steps, study support and free pizza 🍕

Statements & Announcements

Candle with light of other candles blurred in background

VIU experts on MAID and finding love in 2024 ❤️

February 9, 2024 - 08:30am

10 actors raise their hands in gratitude on a stage.

Dr. Laura Cranmer reawakens Indigenous languages through powerful play

February 8, 2024 - 03:45pm

Graphic of a hare with the text Karen Solie 2024 Gustafson Distinguished Poet's Lecture, The Path of the Hare.

Celebrated poet Karen Solie to give VIU Gustafson lecture

January 30, 2024 - 10:00am

snow on a mountain

VIU News & Experts: January 24, 2024

January 24, 2024 - 08:45pm

A cyanotype print with a hand, small shells and a seashell.

VIU’s View Gallery presents bailey macabre exhibit in collaboration with the Nanaimo Arts Council

January 23, 2024 - 01:00pm

A VIU music student works on an audio recording device.

VIU’s redesigned Jazz diploma prepares graduates for careers in different music genres

January 22, 2024 - 12:00pm

VIU in the News

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