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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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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

Dr. Serene Kerpan standing outside against a backdrop of greenery and smiling at the camera.

VIU professor researching impacts of prenatal opioid exposure with First Nations communities

December 13, 2023 - 01:30pm

VIU Nursing professor Dr. Caroline Variath standing outside on a sunny day and smiling at the camera

VIU professor using patient-oriented approach to medical assistance in dying research

December 12, 2023 - 11:45am

A mountain biker takes in the views on a sunny day

VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley

December 7, 2023 - 12:00pm

Three women smile, one holding a bunch of balloons, another holding a heart balloon near her face

VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023 - 02:00pm

Eliza Gardiner holds a bouquet of red roses and stands next to Joy Gugeler and a student during the 2022 vigil.

National Day of Remembrance vigil will “reaffirm commitment to fight against hatred and misogyny”

November 24, 2023 - 10:00am

VIU researcher examining how microbes could protect frogs and Pacific oysters from diseases

November 22, 2023 - 09:45am

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

calculator and spreadsheets on a desk

Finances: A 101 guide for students

March 28, 2024 By Becky Duarte

What you need to know to pay for university

Kate Wilson in a baking uniform holding a rolling pin

Rising to the challenge of opening her own baking business

March 26, 2024

From Classroom to Career: Kate Wilson

Group photo of nursing students in Mexico

Getting a global health education

March 23, 2024 By Talia Connor

VIU Nursing students went to Mexico on community practice experience

Three students walk by the Health and Science Centre

VIU Student Pulse News: March 20, 2024

March 20, 2024

What's going on at VIU 🍏

Four students in a gym holding volleyballs

Creating a safe place to play and learn

March 20, 2024

Child and Youth Care students participate in community program

Andrew Szilagyi sitting in front of a computer and smiling at the camera. ChatGPT is on the screen in the background.

Researching the effects of AI in the workplace

March 18, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Andrew Szilagyi shares his story

Statements & Announcements

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

A student speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd

More than a thousand students Discover VIU at open house events next week

February 16, 2023 - 12:15pm

VIU in the News

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