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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.

Find your program Learning Services

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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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 student stands in front of a railing with her arms crossed

VIU news and experts for March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026 - 02:09pm

Bridging the gap between health care and housing in small cities

March 17, 2026 - 09:46pm

The VIU gym full of booths and career fair participants

VIU hosts large Career Fair for public

March 17, 2026 - 08:13am

Ryan Bastian wearing a Mariners uniform running with the basketball during a game in a gym.

VIU Mariners men’s basketball team goes for national gold on home turf

March 9, 2026 - 08:35am

three science students gatherered around a table looking at model of bone structure

From classroom to lab: PreVIU Days help students explore their future at VIU

March 5, 2026 - 09:16am

A student stands in front of a railing with her arms crossed

VIU launches campaign to remove financial barriers to post-secondary education

March 2, 2026 - 11:16am

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

Two coaches lean in for an embrace

Longtime Mariners coaches stepping away from roles after storied careers

February 23, 2026

Matt Kuzminski and Tony Bryce are saying goodbye to their time as court sport leaders

Students-on-the-beach

Island Life 101: Totem poles, beach days and goats on the roof

February 18, 2026 By Chioma Azike

A beginner’s guide to mid-Island day trips

Christina smiling at the camera while wearing a VIU Nursing shirt.

From financial stress to full focus

February 11, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

How scholarships are powering future nurse Christina Gustafsson

Saurya Mishra standing outside in front of a Heli-Jet helicopter and looking at the camera.

Building a career in hospitality leadership

February 6, 2026

Saurya Mishra shares his story

three students walking down the stairs in front of the VIU library.

Starting the semester right

January 29, 2026 By Becky Duarte

What to do so you don't feel so behind

Black History Month 2026 with two Black individuals pictured, one with an arm raised

Black History Month at VIU 2026

January 28, 2026

Art exhibit, open mic, music and poetry performance, book club and more planned throughout the month

Statements & Announcements

VIU Nanaimo campus aerial

Message from the Acting President: June 5 Update to the Community

June 5, 2025 - 09:47am

Kwulasulwut Garden totem

Honouring Indigenous history, culture and community at VIU

June 4, 2025 - 05:22pm

Dennis Johnson with a view of the Nanaimo campus and greenery behind him

Vancouver Island University Appoints Dr. Dennis Johnson as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

June 4, 2025 - 03:00pm

The Pride flag flies in Royal Bank Plaza at VIU's Nanaimo campus

Celebrating Pride Month 2025

May 30, 2025 - 08:22am

campus aerial

Message from the Acting President: May 22 Update to the Community

May 22, 2025 - 01:00pm

VIU Nanaimo campus aerial view

Message from the Acting President and Provost: Update to the Community: May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025 - 04:03pm

VIU in the News

A Vancouver Island marmot in a mountain landscape

VIU in the news: April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025 - 10:19am

Engineering students adjust their designs

VIU in the news: April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025 - 10:58am

A student holds up a sweater that reads Moby Dick University

VIU in the news: April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025 - 04:42pm

AJ sits at his desk

VIU in the news: April 4, 2025

April 5, 2025 - 09:29am

a baking student holds up a Nanaimo bar

VIU in the news March 28, 2025

March 29, 2025 - 11:22am

Four people talk at a table with laptops and notepads open in front of them

VIU in the news: March 21, 2025

March 23, 2025 - 09:21am

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