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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

Talk to a recruiter

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

Search VIU

aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Caitlin Hartigan smiling at the camera

Breaking barriers in skilled trades education

January 12, 2026 - 11:54am

Stephen Davies sits at his computer with a digitized letter on the screen

Putting a human face to the Canadian war experience

November 7, 2023 - 02:15pm

Three women smile at camera

VIU celebrates local and global community during WorldVIU Days

October 30, 2023 - 02:45pm

Mary Clare stands next to a lamppost with flowers trailing down it

Alum of the Month: Mary Clare Massicotte

October 20, 2023 - 12:45pm

A DJ on a stage plays music while people dance in the background

RockVIU 2023 Welcome to Campus: A message of appreciation

September 24, 2023 - 10:45am

Sharon Karsten standing and smiling with her arms crossed in front of a blurred background of greenery

VIU researcher using community-engaged approach to BC’s toxic drug crisis

September 19, 2023 - 12:00pm

Telma Dos Santos sitting in a chair in front of a group of seniors who are all playing with a Hua hoop in their hands

Alum of the Month: Telma Dos Santos

September 8, 2023 - 03:00pm

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

Group photo of nursing students in Mexico

Getting a global health education

March 23, 2024 By Talia Connor

VIU Nursing students went to Mexico on community practice experience

Three students walk by the Health and Science Centre

VIU Student Pulse News: March 20, 2024

March 20, 2024

What's going on at VIU 🍏

Four students in a gym holding volleyballs

Creating a safe place to play and learn

March 20, 2024

Child and Youth Care students participate in community program

Andrew Szilagyi sitting in front of a computer and smiling at the camera. ChatGPT is on the screen in the background.

Researching the effects of AI in the workplace

March 18, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Andrew Szilagyi shares his story

Three women hold certificates

VIU partners with Digital Marketing Institute to offer new certification

March 13, 2024 By Vaidehi Sayar

Training helps MBA students get ahead of the competition

Two women play drums

VIU Student Pulse News: March 6, 2024

March 6, 2024

Work on campus, tax help & social events

Statements & Announcements

Indigenous Speakers Series graphic

Indigenous speaker shares story of fight for the return of traditional lands

March 9, 2023 - 05:00pm

Eliza Gardiner in front of greenery

VIU News & Experts: March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023 - 05:45pm

Markus in the Centre for Health and Science

VIU and Northpine Foundation expand educational opportunities in BC correctional centres

March 1, 2023 - 12:15pm

VIU campuses re-open at noon today (February 28)

February 28, 2023 - 10:00am

Severe weather closure written in a snowy graphic

Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses and Parksville centre closed for the morning (February 28) due to severe weather

February 28, 2023 - 06:00am

Students look at sea urchins together

VIU Media Highlights: February 16

February 16, 2023 - 04:30pm

VIU in the News

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