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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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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

Telma Dos Santos sitting in a chair in front of a group of seniors who are all playing with a Hua hoop in their hands

Alum of the Month: Telma Dos Santos

September 8, 2023 - 03:00pm

VIU expert spotlight

VIU News & Experts: September 6

September 6, 2023 - 03:45pm

Alum of the Month: Spenser Smith

September 6, 2023 - 01:30pm

Kyle Duncan leans against a white railing.

VIU professor develops imaging technology to take a deeper look at tumour metabolism

August 28, 2023 - 10:15am

A wildfire burns near a road

Expert Q&A: Be wildfire ready

August 22, 2023 - 05:45pm

Three people stand in a culinary arts lab

Sault College and Vancouver Island University partner to expand opportunities for culinary learners

July 31, 2023 - 01:45pm

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

Shq'apthut's three totems

Bringing Indigenous knowledge into the classroom

February 4, 2024

Introducing the Totem podcast

Valentina sits in a garden with lots of greenery around her

Healing the mind with psychedelic-assisted therapy

February 4, 2024

From classroom to career: Valentina Chichiniova

Two students studying together with their laptops open

Tips to prioritize your mental health this year

January 28, 2024 By Becky Duarte

Advice from Wellness Promoter Becky Duarte

Snowy campus

VIU Student Pulse News: January 24, 2024

January 25, 2024

Take care of your mental health 🧠

A student looks at a laptop screen surrounded by boxes

Finding a place to live in Nanaimo

January 22, 2024 By Michael Witcomb, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator

5 tips for students looking for housing

Group photo of people raising their hands in celebration

VIU Student Pulse News: January 10, 2024

January 10, 2024

Start the Spring Semester off right 📚

Statements & Announcements

Words Severe Weather Closure written with a snowy background

VIU's Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses closed due to severe weather

December 20, 2022 - 05:45am

Equity Diversity Inclusion rainbow hands

Count Yourself IN! Launch of Employee Diversity Identity Census

December 14, 2022 - 12:30am

Student in grad cap hugs someone with words Giving Tuesday on side

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 for students in need

December 7, 2022 - 02:00pm

Roses on snow with a Moose Hide Campaign poster

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Vigil happening today

December 6, 2022 - 10:00am

Sunday, December 4: All campuses and locations open for regular Sunday activities

December 4, 2022 - 08:00am

Sunday, December 4: All campuses and locations open for regular Sunday activities

December 4, 2022 - 08:00am

VIU in the News

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