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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.

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Admissions Tuition and Aid

Admissions

Tuition and Aid

How to become a student

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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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aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Two people stand at a viewpoint on Notch Hill

Exhibit celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

July 5, 2025 - 10:18am

Sandy sits at his desk with images of brains open on one screen

Researcher looking for participants for brain injury study

July 22, 2024 - 03:45pm

Dr. Timothy Green, VIU’s Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics stands on a dock next to a boat holding oysters in his hand.

Oyster breeding research aims to address the deadly effects of ocean acidification

July 22, 2024 - 02:30am

Dr. Lindsay McCunn

What is environmental psychology and why is it important?

July 12, 2024 - 12:15pm

A forest fire

Experts on wildfire prep and water conservation 🔥

June 20, 2024 - 08:15pm

Man with baby in forest

Transforming Early Childhood Education in Canada

June 19, 2024 - 05:15pm

Group photo of honorary degree recipients

VIU awards five honorary degrees at June convocation ceremonies

June 12, 2024 - 11:30am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

A woman wearing tan overalls is standing in a clearing in the forest in front of a campfire.

VIU master’s student brings alternative healing program to Canada’s North

July 2, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Emily Hoefs is transforming health care in her community

John with his wife Jen showing off the graduation gift he was given through the tuition waiver program

From career back to the classroom

September 4, 2024

Business student John Christoffersen shares his story

Two students carry boxes and walk down a hallway

Five ways VIU’s Off-Campus Housing department can help you

September 3, 2024

Support with house hunting, tenancy issues and conflict resolution

Simon Maguire, Lily Eggert and Trevor Michalchuk stand side-by-side smiling.

Chemistry students receive accolades at national conference

August 28, 2024

Trio recognized for their outstanding research

Jindar Sboto smiles while working in a VIU Chemistry lab.

Researching the chemistry of cannabis

August 27, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Student leads method development for marijuana measurement

MBA student shares his 2SLGBTQ+ university experience

August 26, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Ashutosh Mishra embraces inclusivity and freedom at VIU

Four students walk down the stairway near the Nanaimo campus Quad.

A first year’s guide to the start of a new term

August 23, 2024 By Becky Duarte

Tips from someone who’s been there

Statements & Announcements

a construction site

VIU News & Experts: February 15, 2024

February 15, 2024 - 07:00pm

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

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