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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

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

Dr. Sandy Shultz sitting at a desk in front of two computer screens and smiling at the camera.

New research centre focuses on quality of life improvements for people affected by trauma and mental health issues

May 22, 2024 - 12:45pm

Melissa Ayling head and shoulders leaning against a wall

Alum of the Month: Melissa Ayling

May 22, 2024 - 08:30am

Wildfire with silhouettes of trees

VIU News & Experts: May 1

May 1, 2024 - 07:15pm

Alum of the Month: Clair Morgan

April 30, 2024 - 10:00am

A split screen photo of Dr. Morgan Mowatt on the left and Dr. Michael MacKenzie on the right. Both are smiling at the camera in portrait-style shots with greenery in the background.

Political scientists coming to VIU for provincial conference

April 29, 2024 - 12:30pm

Harpreet outside the Centre for Health and Science holding a sign that reads We love our donors!

Generosity of donors supports student success

April 24, 2024 - 03:15pm

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

Chiara Sedola standing in front of a bookshelf and smiling at the camera

Liberal Studies student takes research to international conference

June 11, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Chiara Sedola presented her work in Washington, DC.

Mostafa Mohensi with his arms crossed and looking at the camera

How can English as a Second Language training help you meet your career goals?

June 4, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Mostafa Mohseni and Violeta Bermudez share their stories

Philip Lawton leaning on railing and looking at the camera

Finding his career path with VIU’s ABE program

June 3, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Philip Lawton’s goal is to become a dental hygienist

Tyson holds up his Ma Murray award

Alum wins coveted Ma Murray award for feature writing

June 2, 2024

Tyson Whitney’s feature series for the North Island’s ongoing hospital closures picked up the gold medal this year.

A girl holds a bird in her hands

VIU Student Pulse News: May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024

Tips for a productive Summer Semester

Split photo of Logan on the right and Esther on the left

Taking their skills to the national stage

May 27, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

VIU students Logan Cursley and Esther Popma will compete in Quebec City

Statements & Announcements

VIU Nanaimo campus aerial - view of library and quad and city beyond

VIU receives funding to continue innovative upgrading program

June 5, 2023 - 01:00pm

Emily Huner stands in front of foliage at VIU's Nanaimo campus

Vancouver Island University welcomes new CFO and Vice-President, Administration

May 31, 2023 - 03:45pm

VIU Foundation launches challenge to support students in need

May 30, 2023 - 03:15pm

The High School building at Vancouver Island University

The High School at VIU receives International Baccalaureate authorization

May 29, 2023 - 11:45am

A picture of a brain lit up with different colours

VIU News & Experts: May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023 - 04:45pm

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VIU news & experts: May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023 - 09:45pm

VIU in the News

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