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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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aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Sharon Karsten standing outside on a sunny day and smiling at the camera.

VIU researcher aims to improve hospital care for people who use substances

July 6, 2026 - 01:46pm

A hand pointing downward on a red background.

Portal “Reaches Out” to its community at the launch of its 2025 issue

April 23, 2025 - 03:08pm

three people stand in front of a poster

VIU news and experts: April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025 - 03:25pm

Métis Elder-in-Residence Stella Johnson standing in a cedar panelled room wearing a red and purple tartanMétis scarf with a King Charles III Coronation Medal

VIU Métis Elder-In-Residence presented with King Charles III Coronation Medal

April 3, 2025 - 11:11am

Dr. Shahana speaks on the stage with a clicker in her hand, wearing a mic set

Helping youth navigate anxiety and depression

March 26, 2025 - 04:21pm

George Anderson wearing a suit with a blue tie

Alumni Spotlight on George Anderson

March 26, 2025 - 09:34am

Shauna stands in the hallway

Alum spotlight on Shauna Andrews

March 18, 2025 - 04:29pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Rebecca-Duarte-graduating-with-her-friends

From homesick to hopeful: Five things I’m grateful for after 3.5 years at VIU

July 2, 2026 By Becky Duarte

Becky Duarte reflects on a transformative university journey

Ian wears gloves and a lab coat and looks through a microscope

What’s hitchhiking in a Vancouver Island bird of prey?

March 26, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Unravelling the parasite mystery in barred owls

A student puts a book back on a library shelf

From mom to media studies student

March 21, 2025 By Becky Duarte

A single parent’s journey back to university

Five students talk to each other at CREATE conference

MyVIU student news: March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Budget info and research showcase 🧪

A group of students takes part in an Afro dance fusion class together

MyVIU Student Newsletter: March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Events, career advice and academic supports 📚

A small sign with a pink border that reads Happy International Women's Day

Celebrating women who lead

March 5, 2025

Sharing the stories of VIU students, faculty and alum

A young man clad in hipwaders is standing in a river with snowflakes falling around him

Hooked on salmon: student leads record-breaking fish count project

March 3, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Tristen Dieleman follows his passion for fish into local waters

Statements & Announcements

VIU refines program portfolio

April 3, 2024 - 05:15pm

Board of Governors approves VIU’s 2024-25 Budget

April 2, 2024 - 04:45pm

VIU Fulbright scholar advocates for decolonizing sexual education for healthy communities

March 25, 2024 - 10:00am

One woman interviews another woman with "VIU expert spotlight" overlaid over top

VIU News & Experts: Wednesday, March 20

March 20, 2024 - 04:30pm

Two Brant gees walk along the shoreline of a beach.

Raising a glass to nature: Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates biodiversity and conservation

March 20, 2024 - 09:30am

basket of vegetables

Embark Student Corp funds food security initiatives at VIU

March 13, 2024 - 01:45pm

VIU in the News

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