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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.

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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

Ryan Bastian wearing a Mariners uniform running with the basketball during a game in a gym.

VIU Mariners men’s basketball team goes for national gold on home turf

March 9, 2026 - 08:35am

Beach scene with a waterfall

VIU experts on tourism, wildfires and snowpacks

May 17, 2023 - 02:15pm

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

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Laci standing outside and smiling at the camera

Finding purpose in recovery

March 12, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Laci Schulenborg receives national recognition for work with local service organization

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

Severe Weather Closure graphic

Severe weather morning campus closure: November 30, 2022

November 30, 2022 - 06:15am

Severe Weather Closure graphic

Tuesday, November 29: Nanaimo, Cowichan and Parksville Closed for evening classes

November 29, 2022 - 02:00pm

Culinary arts and microbiology students in the lab

VIU Media Highlights: November 23, 2022

November 23, 2022 - 03:30pm

VIU's Indigenous Speakers Series featuring Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn)

Indigenous speaker shares story of fight for the return of traditional lands

November 22, 2022 - 11:15am

Red, green and blue Christmas lights adorn trees and bushes and the roof of Milner House.

Milner Gardens & Woodland’s festive light display is full of holiday magic

November 22, 2022 - 11:15am

A person holding an orange rose stands in front of the plaque dedicated to the 14 young women who were murdered in the 1989 massacre at École Polytechnique.

Status of Women committee asks people to “Unite to end violence” during 16 Days of Activism

November 21, 2022 - 10:30am

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