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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

Simon Martin preaparing food in a professional kitchen.

VIU Culinary Arts student represents Canada at global competition

February 20, 2026 - 01:34pm

Trevor Michalchuk and Lily Eggert, wearing high visibility vests, while standing in front of the Mass Specmobile.

VIU researchers measure methane at Alberni Valley Landfill

August 17, 2022 - 12:00pm

5 Questions with Joy Gugeler

August 11, 2022 - 10:15am

Students working in a classroom

New initiative helps people gain admission into VIU programs

July 27, 2022 - 11:00am

Marcia_Turner

VIU welcomes new Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Education and Engagement

July 26, 2022 - 03:45pm

Regan McKeever uses an iPad to view the VIU ElderCollege website.

VIU ElderCollege offers both online and in-person courses for learners

July 26, 2022 - 10:45am

Dr. Patricia Johnston standing outside at VIU looking at camera

VIU Adjunct Professor’s research seeks to improve perinatal, neonatal services in Nunavut village

July 25, 2022 - 01:15pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Students-on-the-beach

Island Life 101: Totem poles, beach days and goats on the roof

February 18, 2026 By Chioma Azike

A beginner’s guide to mid-Island day trips

Four students hang out in a dorm

Living in student residences

August 24, 2023 By Samantha Allan

Advice for a smooth transition

Misha Zvekic wears green gloves and holds a beaker with liquid in it in a chemistry lab.

Alum finds forever chemicals in sixgill shark

August 15, 2023 By Rachel Stern

Misha Zvekic examines shark during a research exchange

A parched, drought landscape

Doing your part to save water during a drought

August 15, 2023

Geography Professor Dr. Alan Gilchrist’s tips

Bruce Barnard stands in front of his house

Thinking of renting to students this year?

August 7, 2023

Landlord Bruce Barnard shares his story

Kayla Passmore sits on a couch in front of the totem in the Centre for Health and Science atrium

Pushing the boundaries of what is possible

August 4, 2023

From classroom to career: Kayla Passmore

Examining mental health supports in the K-12 school system

August 3, 2023

Grad student Nova Heartland shares her research

Statements & Announcements

Interior of the View Gallery with paintings hung on the wall and a wooden human body art piece on the floor.

VIU’s The View Gallery Presents Escape Artists

April 22, 2022 - 09:45am

An interior of a vehicle with the top of the driver and passenger sears visible. Text across the image says Portal 2022 Words to Transport You.

Portal Hosts First In-Person Launch Since 2020

April 19, 2022 - 12:15pm

David_Alexander_Librarian

VIU Welcomes New University Librarian

April 19, 2022 - 08:45am

The Future of Reconciliation in Canada A VIU Conversation

VIU Hosts a Conversation on the Future of Reconciliation in Canada

April 13, 2022 - 05:00pm

Nine people gathered around conceptual drawing of Shq’apthut (A Gathering Place)

Provincial Government Funds Expansion of Shq’apthut, VIU’s Indigenous Gathering Place

April 8, 2022 - 03:45pm

Leading the Future Together text with a background of mountains

VIU Students Aim for Connection with Youth Leadership Conference

March 30, 2022 - 05:00pm

VIU in the News

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