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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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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

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 group of students sits in a longhouse

Indigenous Guardians protecting coastal lands and waters

April 15, 2024 - 04:00pm

Michael Mackenzie: Bad leaders, bad followers event postcard

VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker Series puts the spotlight on bad leaders and followers

April 11, 2024 - 03:45pm

Three students look at a pamphlet in front of their CREATE research poster.

VIU students showcase their research projects during the CREATE conference

April 3, 2024 - 10:45am

Female electrician wearing. white hard hat a safety vest and sunglasses working on the side of a building and smiling at the camera.

Vancouver Island University invites community to explore trades and tech careers at showcase

March 27, 2024 - 09:30am

Mary Anne Molcan stands by her print press.

Alum of the Month: Mary Anne Molcan

March 21, 2024 - 10:15am

Carpentry student Emily Behm standing in front of the tiny home she and her classmates are building at the Cowichan Trades Centre

VIU carpentry students learn by building tiny home

March 20, 2024 - 01:15pm

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

Philip Lawton leaning on railing and looking at the camera

Finding his career path with VIU’s ABE program

June 3, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Philip Lawton’s goal is to become a dental hygienist

Tyson holds up his Ma Murray award

Alum wins coveted Ma Murray award for feature writing

June 2, 2024

Tyson Whitney’s feature series for the North Island’s ongoing hospital closures picked up the gold medal this year.

A girl holds a bird in her hands

VIU Student Pulse News: May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024

Tips for a productive Summer Semester

Split photo of Logan on the right and Esther on the left

Taking their skills to the national stage

May 27, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

VIU students Logan Cursley and Esther Popma will compete in Quebec City

Amy Mattes holds up a copy of her book, Late September.

Amy Mattes’ debut novel explores love and identity

May 21, 2024 By Rachel Stern

VIU Creative Writing student publishes first novel

A student housing room

Housing options for students in Nanaimo

May 20, 2024 By Michael Witcomb, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator

5 tips to find the right fit

Statements & Announcements

three automotive students receive instruction from a teacher in the shop

VIU supports newcomers to Canada pursue trades careers

August 11, 2023 - 10:45am

Dr. Sungchul Cho sitting at a desk and smiling at the camera.

VIU welcomes new dean of management

July 18, 2023 - 03:30pm

From left to right: Hayden Kenneth Taylor, Sheldon Scow and Talela Manson are hard at work planning a fun-filled summer camp experience for students.

VIU hosts summer camp for Indigenous students

July 6, 2023 - 09:30am

White lettering reading VIU on a dark blue background.

President Statement on University of Waterloo Violence

June 30, 2023 - 11:30am

Photo compilation of graduates

VIU News & Experts: June 22, 2023

June 22, 2023 - 02:45pm

Randle and Masako

VIU awards honorary degrees to local philanthropist and award-winning author

June 13, 2023 - 04:00pm

VIU in the News

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