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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

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

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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

three students carve a pumpkin together

VIU Fest, health experts and more

October 10, 2025 - 04:49pm

Samantha Letourneau closeup, wearing a red scarf

5 Questions with Samantha Letourneau

December 13, 2022 - 08:30pm

Woman holds roses standing next to two other women

VIU Media Highlights: December 7, 2022

December 7, 2022 - 04:00pm

A clear path that has had the snow shoveled off of it with bright blue sky.

5(ish) Questions with Burke Gulbranson

December 6, 2022 - 02:30pm

From climate change to fish kills – environmental chemistry enabled by innovative research

December 1, 2022 - 09:30am

Head shot of Delani Valin

Alum of the Month: Délani Valin

November 16, 2022 - 09:15pm

Visiting from Kyoto, Japan, Motoi Kurisu, Executive Chef at Arashiyama Kumahiko and President of Kumahiko Co. Ltd. gave a demonstration to VIU Culinary students this week to help celebrate the launch of the new certification. Photo: Vancouver Island Univ

Vancouver Island University launches new Japanese cooking skills certification

November 4, 2022 - 10:15am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

A VIU employee sheltering under a desk and smiling at the camera.

Keeping VIU earthquake-ready with ShakeOutBC

October 14, 2025

Why practicing your response is so important

Anna Shynkarenko wearing a hat, half-hidden behind a bush and looking at the camera

Researching the effects of war on urban landscapes in Ukraine

October 12, 2023 By Eric Zimmer

Anna Shynkarenko came to VIU on a Mitacs internship

Two women look at a laptop screen together

VIU Student Pulse News: October 11, 2023

October 11, 2023

Make mental health a priority 🌈

Two women hug

Make mental health a priority

October 9, 2023 By Becky Duarte

A reminder during World Mental Health Month

A magnifying glass reveals a bedbug on a bed

Battling the muggy and buggy in rental housing

October 9, 2023 By Michael Witcomb, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator

What to do if you have mold or pests in your home

Tanisha poses with the YPK team in Bali

My summer internship in Bali

October 3, 2023 By Tanisha Wilson

Kinesiology student Tanisha Wilson shares her experience

Georgia stands in front of a fence

My summer internship in New Zealand

October 3, 2023 By Georgia Mason-Guertin

Global Studies student Georgia Mason-Guertin shares her story

Statements & Announcements

Nathan and Sam in front of vines on a wall

VIU expands awareness activities for free education savings grants

November 8, 2022 - 09:00am

A group of soldiers pose for a photo with Nanaimo Remembers written across the bottom

VIU and community partners remember local fallen armed forces members through video memorial

October 28, 2022 - 01:15pm

An actor at centre stage has their hands thrown up in the air while they look off in the distance. Numerous cast mates stand behind them in various poses.

VIU’s Theatre Department presents A Good Person

October 24, 2022 - 03:00pm

An aerial view of the Nanaimo campus on a sunny day with blue sky.

VIU releases position statement on climate action and sustainability

October 21, 2022 - 10:00am

Vancouver Island University's Position Statement on Climate Action and Sustainability

October 21, 2022 - 10:00am

Omair Quraishi is VIU's Chief Information Officer.

VIU welcomes new Chief Information Officer

October 19, 2022 - 04:15pm

VIU in the News

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