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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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Learning Services

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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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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

three science students gatherered around a table looking at model of bone structure

From classroom to lab: PreVIU Days help students explore their future at VIU

March 5, 2026 - 09:16am

A branch of purple rhododendrons

Flower Power: Milner Gardens & Woodland receives national recognition

October 31, 2024 - 02:15pm

Cobus Swarts writes on a chalkboard.

5 Questions with Cobus Swarts

October 24, 2024 - 10:15am

Two actors face each other on stage while rehearsing a scene.

Our Town explores love, loss and life’s fragility

October 21, 2024 - 12:15pm

Celebrated Canadian poet Lisa Robertson to give VIU Gustafson lecture

October 18, 2024 - 09:45am

VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ officials smile for the camera

VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ celebrates 50 years in the qathet Region

October 16, 2024 - 03:30pm

Kyle Wickland and Oscar Thoms have two glass tanks in front of them with thermometers and temperature gauges.

Learn about climate solutions and explore wildfire health risks at free climate conference

October 16, 2024 - 09:30am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

three students look at a robotic car on a table

Got questions about university? Let’s talk VIU

March 5, 2026 By Francesca Paladino

We’re here to help you navigate your next step with confidence

Four people stand in front of Shq'apthut: A Gathering Place

Meet the staff in Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place

October 16, 2024

Kerry, Brittany, Lyn and Heather are here for you

Three students sit at a table and look at a laptop screen together

The importance of knowing when to say yes and no

October 9, 2024 By Becky Duarte

Stepping out of your comfort zone – strategically

Hilary Peach smiling at the camera

From boilermaker to award-winning book author

October 9, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Hilary Peach shares her story

Four students walk together with festival in background

VIU student news: October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

Come to VIU Fest for free fall fun 🥳

Three students interact with a vendor at the Career Fair

MyVIU student news: September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

Campus Events: Therapy Dogs, Socials & Snacks

Linea Brickwood gets ready to bump the ball during a Mariners game inside the VIU gym while a crowd watches in the background

Mariners alum takes passion for her sport overseas

September 16, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Linnea Brickwood shares her story

Statements & Announcements

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January 17: All VIU campuses and facilities closed for day

January 17, 2024 - 06:00am

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The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2023

December 21, 2023 - 12:00pm

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VIU News and Experts: December 19, 2023

December 19, 2023 - 03:30pm

A Christmas Carol poster sits on a stand in front of a Christmas tree.

VIU Theatre department presents A Christmas Carol, a live radio play

December 12, 2023 - 01:30pm

Trigger warning: Safety and security reminder following an incident on campus

December 8, 2023 - 03:15pm

Two students hold up signs saying thank you donor and we love our donors and stand in front of red heart balloons

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $350,000 for students in need

November 30, 2023 - 05:45pm

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