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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

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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

Janelle Minoza, VIU Bachelor of Social Work student

The Power of Persistence: A Story of Success and Resilience

January 13, 2020 - 11:00am

Dr. Jasmine Janes, a VIU Biology Professor, examines some of the insect specimens at the VIU Museum of Natural History.

VIU Biology Professor Pens Paper About Insect Apocalypse Myth

January 9, 2020 - 09:00am

Dr. Cynthia-Lou Coleman leans against a railing near VIU's koi pond with sun hitting her hair.

Scholar Focuses on How Indigenous Issues are Covered in Media

September 3, 2019 - 12:00pm

Chief Shawn Atleo Presents on 'Re-imagining Canada' in VIU's First Indigenous Speakers Series Event

November 19, 2015 - 09:45am

VIU To Award Five Honorary Degrees and Two Alumni Awards at Spring Convocation

May 10, 2014 - 09:00pm

ESTEEMED FIRST NATIONS LEADER TO RECEIVE VIU’S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

May 31, 2013 - 06:30am

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

Pictures of VIU students

Academic Plan Roundtables

November 24, 2021

Add your thoughts - in-person or on Zoom

Thrive self-care booth

Self-care, stressbusters and Light It Up VIU! 🎄

November 17, 2021

Man meditating in nature

Looking out for number one: How to practice self-care during mid-terms and finals

November 17, 2021 By Preet Parmar

Staying healthy during stressful times

Student on a bed with headphones looking at a laptop

Finding a place to live in Nanaimo

November 4, 2021 By Michael Witcomb

5 tips to help you secure the housing arrangement that’s right for you

Student on the rainbow stairs

VIU Student Pulse News: November 3, 2021

November 3, 2021

November is a busy month at VIU! ☔

Samuelle Simard-Provençal holds a small bird in her hands.

Alum takes high school students under her wing

October 25, 2021 By Rachel Stern

Samuelle Simard-Provençal shares her love of science through bird banding demonstration

Statements & Announcements

VIU in the News

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