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Get to know VIU. As a teaching university and a research university, we offer a unique experience to students.

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About VIU

Why VIU?

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The Strategic Plan builds on our commitment to diverse learners and draws on our connection to the community.

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Tuition and Aid

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Steps to become a student

Student Life Student Life

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Student Life

Student Services and Support

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Attend in-person and online events, explore campus and connect with your professors and soon-to-be classmates!

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VIU Alumni

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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

Bridging the gap between health care and housing in small cities

March 17, 2026 - 09:46pm

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

Lily Eggert and Dr. Alexandra Weissfloch examine a jar of boat cleaner.

Choosing eco-friendly boat cleaners just got easier thanks to VIU researcher’s product database

November 27, 2024 - 02:30pm

A volunteer strings up lights at Milner Gardens

Creating holiday magic – volunteers bring cherished holiday tradition to life

November 26, 2024 - 11:15am

Mike with boots, waterproof jackets and waders laid out on a table

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign creates pathways for students in need

November 25, 2024 - 02:15pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

A picture of the 10-member team that will compete at the Kinesiology Games in Ontario

Building connection and community at the Kin Games

March 17, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Kinesiology students are heading to Ontario this week for national competition

Brayden Klassen smiling at the camera

Going below the surface on shoreline erosion behaviour

December 16, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Brayden Klassen shares his story

Alyona stands near a lake wearing a green shawl with pink, blue and yellow flowers over an Every Child Matters shirt.

Making headlines – Alyona Latsinnik breaks viral election night story

December 12, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Student exposes racist remarks made by candidate as part of class assignment

Happy holidays in text with background of ornaments on a tree

VIU student news: December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

The holiday break is almost here 🎄

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

Statements & Announcements

Six actors on the left reach out to one of their cast mates while another stands in fear on the right.

Beyond the boy wizard’s limelight – PUFFS offers a hilarious twist on a beloved magical world

February 27, 2024 - 10:00am

piggy bank with coins stacked next to it, blocks on top that read 2024

Provincial budget and housing experts 🏘️

February 21, 2024 - 03:30pm

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

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