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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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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

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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

Métis Elder-in-Residence Stella Johnson standing in a cedar panelled room wearing a red and purple tartanMétis scarf with a King Charles III Coronation Medal

VIU Métis Elder-In-Residence presented with King Charles III Coronation Medal

April 3, 2025 - 11:11am

20 Nanaimo-Ladysmith recipients of the King Charles III Medal

Retired VIU Anthropology Professor receives King Charles III Coronation Medal

February 4, 2025 - 10:45am

Paul Watkins holds up a copy of his new book in his right hand while resting his chin on the other.

Paul Watkins’ new book Soundin’ Canaan explores Black Canadian voices

January 29, 2025 - 03:15pm

Kimberly Coleman, a woman is standing in front of trees

Scholar explores mountain biking’s social impacts on Indigenous communities

January 15, 2025 - 04:15pm

Terry in garden

Alum of the month: Dr. Terry Poucette

January 7, 2025 - 03:45pm

Sandy and research assistant put something into vials

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2024

December 17, 2024 - 04:30pm

Neil Surkan smiling at the camera

5 questions with Neil Surkan, the City of Nanaimo’s new Poet Laureate

December 16, 2024 - 04:00pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

A student lies in another students arms

Theatre without barriers

April 3, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Inclusive Theatre Collective prioritizes community and belonging

A woman leans on a pillar and smiles into the camera

Finding passion and purpose through a business degree

January 17, 2025

From Classroom to Career: Rinny Jose

Gerri McEwen and Devin Ayotte dig through sand that is lighted blue, green, yellow and red.

Students dig deep into learning with augmented reality sandbox

January 14, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Innovative tool projects topography onto the sand

Dr. Xueling (Julie) Luo and Devin Ayotte adjust an 3D robotic arm.

Robotic arm brings engineering theory to life

January 9, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Engineering department builds 3D robotic arm for interactive learning

Group of VIU Nursing students accept a cheque

MyVIU student news: January 8, 2025

January 8, 2025

Welcome to the Spring Semester! 📚

Brayden Klassen smiling at the camera

Going below the surface on shoreline erosion behaviour

December 16, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Brayden Klassen shares his story

Alyona stands near a lake wearing a green shawl with pink, blue and yellow flowers over an Every Child Matters shirt.

Making headlines – Alyona Latsinnik breaks viral election night story

December 12, 2024 By Rachel Stern

Student exposes racist remarks made by candidate as part of class assignment

Statements & Announcements

Text reads Severe Weather Closure with snow and a blue background

Severe weather closure notifications for the 2024-25 year

November 4, 2024 - 04:00pm

A student practices nail work on another student in the aesthetics and spa therapy classroom at VIU.

VIU Esthetics and Spa Therapy program hosts open house in new space

October 30, 2024 - 11:45am

A volleyball player holds a ball, other volleyball players can be seen in the background

VIU News & Experts: October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024 - 03:45pm

aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

Fostering respectful dialogue: A message on neutrality and inclusivity at VIU

September 25, 2024 - 12:00pm

Three young girls wearing face paint hug, with a crowd on the stairs behind them

VIU hosts free community event

September 10, 2024 - 04:30pm

A group of kids carve pumpkins together

VIU News & Experts: September 5, 2024

September 5, 2024 - 03:30pm

VIU in the News

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