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About About

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

Start in January

September is not the only time to start a VIU program. Many have January intakes.

See January intake

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.

Give

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

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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

A picture of Marie Wilson with some event details

A Conversation with Marie Wilson – 10 Years After the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

September 4, 2025 - 12:51pm

Lee Cooper

Alum of the Month: Lee Cooper

June 18, 2023 - 10:00am

Danielle Hyde on the left receiving her award from a CCAA representative

VIU's Danielle Hyde named 2023 CCAA Athletic Director of the Year

June 14, 2023 - 08:45am

Meara Kimball is dressed in suspenders and jeans with a shirt that says Dash on it

Dash Dauntless: VIU’s professional wrestler

June 7, 2023 - 03:00am

rainbow circle with arrows making the colours that says Thrive Here in the middle

Benefits Overview: Where do You Turn When You’re Not Sure Where to Turn?

June 5, 2023 - 02:15pm

5 Questions with Melissa Huggan

May 31, 2023 - 11:30am

Dr. Michael Asmussen sitting in a tree and smiling at the camera.

Vancouver Island University welcomes award-winning foot and ankle researcher

May 24, 2023 - 03:30pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Caitlin Lundgren standing outside leaning on a railing on a sunny day and looking at the camera.

VIU alum makes impact in community through media industry

September 10, 2025

From Classroom to Career: Caitlin Lundgren

Paige Pierce standing in front of the ocean, wearing a green dress and turning back to smile at the camera

Creating connections through poetry

February 28, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

VIU Education student Paige Pierce is Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate

a man speaks next to a screen in front of a packed room

Who was Israel Wood Powell?

February 24, 2024

Examining the origins of settler colonial rule in British Columbia

Daniel gardin er

VIU’s accounting program adds up to career success

February 23, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Four graduates in the field share their stories

Four students interact around a desk

VIU Student Pulse News: February 21, 2024

February 21, 2024

Make the most of Study Days 📚

Students sit blanketed at VIU Cowichan

Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo’: Quw’utsun Mustimuhw Hwialasmut tu Tumuhw

February 16, 2024

(Koksilah River: Cowichan Peoples Take Care of the Land)

Tony miyoshi and sam statchuk

Studying overseas with international scholarships

February 15, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Tony Miyoshi and Sam Statchuk share their stories

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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Events and Info Sessions

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