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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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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Caitlin Hartigan smiling at the camera

Breaking barriers in skilled trades education

January 12, 2026 - 11:54am

Cobus Swarts writes on a chalkboard.

5 Questions with Cobus Swarts

October 24, 2024 - 10:15am

Two actors face each other on stage while rehearsing a scene.

Our Town explores love, loss and life’s fragility

October 21, 2024 - 12:15pm

Celebrated Canadian poet Lisa Robertson to give VIU Gustafson lecture

October 18, 2024 - 09:45am

VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ officials smile for the camera

VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ celebrates 50 years in the qathet Region

October 16, 2024 - 03:30pm

Kyle Wickland and Oscar Thoms have two glass tanks in front of them with thermometers and temperature gauges.

Learn about climate solutions and explore wildfire health risks at free climate conference

October 16, 2024 - 09:30am

Jennifer Lindley with a big cat

Alum of the Month: Jennifer Lindley

October 11, 2024 - 11:30am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Kylie smiling at the camera wearing a red shirt.

From “I’m not sure I belong” to “I know I can”

December 18, 2025 By Eric Zimmer

How VIU’s Pathways program helped Kylie rebuild confidence, discover purpose and step into a nursing career

VIU Mariners team photo

Halloween around campus 👻

October 30, 2024

Student newsletter: October 30, 2024

A group of students gathers around a student writing on a chalkboard

Building community, one study session at a time

October 29, 2024

VIU’s Peer Supported Learning program

A group of students sits in cool chairs talking with each other

Finding your place at VIU

October 22, 2024 By Becky Duarte

A guide to getting involved in campus life

Three students serve food outside the cafeteria

Are you saying yes to too much? 🤔

October 16, 2024

VIU student newsletter: October 16 edition

Four people stand in front of Shq'apthut: A Gathering Place

Meet the staff in Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place

October 16, 2024

Kerry, Brittany, Lyn and Heather are here for you

Three students sit at a table and look at a laptop screen together

The importance of knowing when to say yes and no

October 9, 2024 By Becky Duarte

Stepping out of your comfort zone – strategically

Statements & Announcements

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

A VIU music student works on an audio recording device.

VIU’s redesigned Jazz diploma prepares graduates for careers in different music genres

January 22, 2024 - 12:00pm

Friday, January 19: VIU Nanaimo campus re-opening for afternoon classes, all other campuses full-day closure

January 19, 2024 - 10:00am

Graphic depicting snowy weather with Severe Weather Closure written across

Friday, January 19: CLOSED- Nanaimo campus for morning classes, all other campuses full day closure

January 19, 2024 - 06:30am

Graphic depicting snowy weather with Severe Weather Closure written across

January 18: VIU campuses and locations closed for evening classes

January 18, 2024 - 02:45pm

VIU in the News

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