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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

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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

A student stands in front of a railing with her arms crossed

VIU news and experts for March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026 - 02:09pm

Facing the camera and standing from left to right are refugee students Hanan Ali Abdi, Nyagua Deng Goch, and Daniella (Sifa) Mukenge

VIU welcomes three new refugee students

September 14, 2022 - 11:15am

Whitney Wood stands on the Jeopardy! stage with host Mayim Bialik.

5 Questions with Whitney Wood

August 23, 2022 - 10:15am

VIU Horticulture students in front of plants inside greenhouse

In Photos: VIU Horticulture program helps grow connections with Belize

August 22, 2022 - 01:15pm

Trevor Michalchuk and Lily Eggert, wearing high visibility vests, while standing in front of the Mass Specmobile.

VIU researchers measure methane at Alberni Valley Landfill

August 17, 2022 - 12:00pm

5 Questions with Joy Gugeler

August 11, 2022 - 10:15am

Students working in a classroom

New initiative helps people gain admission into VIU programs

July 27, 2022 - 11:00am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

A picture of the 10-member team that will compete at the Kinesiology Games in Ontario

Building connection and community at the Kin Games

March 17, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Kinesiology students are heading to Ontario this week for national competition

Misha Zvekic wears green gloves and holds a beaker with liquid in it in a chemistry lab.

Alum finds forever chemicals in sixgill shark

August 15, 2023 By Rachel Stern

Misha Zvekic examines shark during a research exchange

A parched, drought landscape

Doing your part to save water during a drought

August 15, 2023

Geography Professor Dr. Alan Gilchrist’s tips

Bruce Barnard stands in front of his house

Thinking of renting to students this year?

August 7, 2023

Landlord Bruce Barnard shares his story

Kayla Passmore sits on a couch in front of the totem in the Centre for Health and Science atrium

Pushing the boundaries of what is possible

August 4, 2023

From classroom to career: Kayla Passmore

Examining mental health supports in the K-12 school system

August 3, 2023

Grad student Nova Heartland shares her research

Trinity stands in front of a car raised up on a stand

Discovering a passion for working on cars

July 27, 2023

Trinity LaRose's story

Statements & Announcements

Nine people gathered around conceptual drawing of Shq’apthut (A Gathering Place)

Provincial Government Funds Expansion of Shq’apthut, VIU’s Indigenous Gathering Place

April 8, 2022 - 03:45pm

Leading the Future Together text with a background of mountains

VIU Students Aim for Connection with Youth Leadership Conference

March 30, 2022 - 05:00pm

New Bursary Fund Boosts Impact of Education Savings Grant

March 30, 2022 - 04:45pm

Addressing the assault of a VIU student last weekend

March 29, 2022 - 04:00pm

VIU and UVic Presidents and Chancellors pose with the Talking Stick

UVic and VIU Deepen Relationship with Special Gifting Ceremony for New Chancellor

March 28, 2022 - 05:15pm

Discovery Day banner

High School Students Invited to Experience VIU During Discovery Day

March 16, 2022 - 03:00pm

VIU in the News

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