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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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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

Lisa LeClerc smiling at the camera

Alumni spotlight: Lisa Leclerc

January 27, 2026 - 09:59am

VIU Baking Instructor Ken Harper displays the new exclusive VIU chocolate product, known as Spindle Whorl.

VIU Baking Program Launches Exclusive Signature Chocolate

November 18, 2021 - 11:00am

Croft_world-Record

The World-Record Holder Among Us

November 11, 2021 - 10:15pm

Connie Walker

VIU Indigenous Speaker Talks About Journalism’s Role in Reconciliation

November 10, 2021 - 02:30pm

Five Questions with Richard Horbachewski

November 10, 2021 - 02:15pm

Five Questions with Richard Horbachewski

November 10, 2021 - 02:15pm

Strategic Plan cover

The Strategic Plan: Making it a reality

November 10, 2021 - 10:15am

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

Student working on a laptop in nature

How do I become a student at Vancouver Island University?

February 13, 2023 By Francesca Paladino

The application process in 5 steps

Man speaks at podium with text on a screen that reads: What does a just relationship with herring look like?

Herring and the health of the Salish Sea

February 13, 2023

VIU's Engaged Citizens Speaker Series featuring Bryce Casavant from Pacific Wild

Student sings and plays guitar with Global Citizens Week banners behind him

VIU Student Pulse: February 8, 2023

February 8, 2023

Don't miss these events & activities 🌍

Black History Month

Black History Month at VIU

February 7, 2023

Events, food and activities to check out

Carliegh Gainer smiling at the camera

VIU Nursing student gives back to community through successful grant application

February 6, 2023 By Eric Zimmer

Carliegh Gainer’s efforts mean Khowhemun Elementary School gets a new mural

Hayden stands in front of Shq'apthut, VIU's Indigenous gathering place on the Nanaimo campus

Encouraging the next generation of Indigenous leaders

January 26, 2023

Hayden Kenneth Taylor shares his story

Statements & Announcements

Portrait of mentors for VIU's Indigenous summer camp

Summer Camp Makes Transition to University Easier for Indigenous Students

June 22, 2021 - 05:15pm

Members of MABRRI hold sustainable Development Goal icons.

VIU Invites Community to Learn about Sustainable Development through Online Game

June 22, 2021 - 10:30am

Man holding camera

VIU Media Highlights: June 8 - June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021 - 05:15pm

Judith Sayers, Installation speech

Building a University Where All Belong: VIU Chancellor Shares Her Vision with Community

June 17, 2021 - 11:15am

Sean Sloan faces the camera while standing in front of a canopy of trees.

VIU Canada Research Chair Developing Tools to Inform Forest Recovery Initiatives

June 15, 2021 - 02:30pm

Evan Adams portrait

VIU Awards Honorary Degree to Award-Winning Medical Doctor and Actor

June 15, 2021 - 02:30pm

VIU in the News

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