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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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Programs

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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aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

students in regalia throw their grad caps in the air

VIU News & Experts: June 3, 2026

June 3, 2026 - 08:20pm

Dave Paul, owner of Love Shack Libations, leans against a wooden counter. Beer bottles and a glass is on his right.

VIU partners with brewery to raise awareness about ocean research

May 4, 2023 - 12:15pm

Caroline Josefsson, left, and VIU student Megan Kollman, sit on a hill weeding a section with several small green plants.

VIU biology professor restoring one of Canada’s most threatened ecosystems on Nanaimo campus

May 1, 2023 - 02:15pm

Xander leans against a pole outside VIU's Centre for Health and Science

Alum of the Month: Xander France

April 27, 2023 - 09:30am

VIU Mariners soccer player receives CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship

April 18, 2023 - 02:15pm

Alumni spotlight: Amy Armstrong and Vanessa Young

April 13, 2023 - 12:15pm

Tchadas Leo portrait

Journalist wins award for Indigenous-focused podcast

April 6, 2023 - 08:30am

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Emma Rampanen smiling at the camera.

Turning clinic experience into community impact

June 9, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Meet the class of 2026: Emma Rampanen

How were special effects created before electricity and cameras?

December 12, 2023

Leon Potter takes people behind the curtain to learn about theatre magic

Jingjing sits at a desk in her hospital unit

The power of persistence and a helping hand

December 9, 2023

Jingjing Li shares her story

How are contemporary feminisms negotiated in TV comedies?

December 8, 2023

Comedies allow people to talk about taboo topics

Student pose with Santa

VIU Student Pulse News: December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

Exam prep and festive fun 🎄

A woman sits at a desk in a library with a laptop open surrounded by books

Surviving exam season

December 4, 2023 By Samantha Allan

When the situation feels dire, a survival guide goes a long way

Madeline kozubal wearing mechanics coveralls standing in front of a school bus engine and smiling at the camera

Dual Credit program sparks interest in trades careers

December 4, 2023 By Eric Zimmer

Madeline Kozubal 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

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

October 21, 2022 - 10:00am

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

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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