International Student Advising

Advisors are available to provide international students with the support necessary for a successful study experience at VIU. Advisors provide:

• information and advice about programs and courses
• help with class scheduling
• guidance about career goals and objectives
• information about study permit renewals and visas
• workshops to help students adapt to life in Canada
• personal advising

International Education Student Newsletter

International Student Handbook

Medical Insurance

All International students are required by law to have medical insurance while studying in Canada. It is the student's responsibility to have adequate medical insurance while in Canada.

Students who already have medical insurance to cover them while in Canada should bring a copy of their insurance policy with them. They will be required to show this document to the International Education department throughout their stay at VIU.

Students who do not have medical insurance will not be eligible for services from VIU.

Types of Medical Insurance

A) Emergency Medical Insurance

VIU offers medical insurance for emergencies through David Cummings Insurance Services Ltd. (DCIS), a private company. This will not cover doctor visits and check ups, prescriptions and other expenses that relate to pre-existing conditions, although there are some exceptions. The cost is $135 for three months of coverage and the minimum to purchase is 90 days (3 months). After your payment by cash or credit card, your card and information will be emailed to you. For more information about DCIS, please visit www.david-cummings.com/VIU.

A representative from DCIS will be available on campus to assist students who wish to purchase insurance. The International Education department will send emails to the ISS-List to notify students when the representative will be on campus.

B) BC Medical Insurance (MSP)

This insurance can be purchased after students have been here for three months. Purchase the Global Campus Health Plan through DCIS while you are waiting for MSP. It costs $54 a month for BC MSP. For more information on MSP, visit www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/msp.

C) Extended Health and Medical Insurance

Vancouver Island University Student Union's Extended Health and Medical Insurance must be purchased by full-time academic, trades and vocational students. It covers such things as dental work, medical prescriptions, eye glasses, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, orthotics, ambulatory care, among other things, and costs $265 for one calendar year. To find out more about extended health and dental coverage, please visit the VIU Student Union website at http://www.viusu.ca. For details on coverage information, forms and printable claims cards, visit Greenshield Canada's website at http://www.greenshield.ca/english/StudentCentre.

Short-term students who are coming only for four months may be eligible for a partial refund for the unused portion of the plan. Visit the student union office (Building 193) one month prior to completion of your program to inquire about a refund.

Students with proof of equivalent coverage from their home country can apply to opt-out of the Student Union plan. All requests must be submitted within the opt-out deadline for your program. Please email healthanddental@viusu.ca to ask about your program deadline and request assistance.

ESL students are not eligible for this extended health and dental plan. 

A Word of Caution:  The cost of medical care can be extremely high. A standard visit to the Emergency Room at a BC hospital costs $730 PLUS charges for additional tests.  Be sure that your insurance is comprehensive ($1 Million CDN) and offers a daily bed rate of at least $5000 CDN.

Scholarships and Awards

viu.ca/international/awards.asp

As part of its commitment to recognize the contributions that international students make to the vitality of the learning atmosphere at VIU, the Department of International Education has established over 20 awards and scholarships specifically for new and continuing international students. These are in addition to the international student awards presently provided by community organizations. To be eligible for the new student scholarships, international students need to graduate from Malaspina High School, or another British Columbia High School program. For more information and scholarship updates please see viu.ca/international/awards.asp.

New and continuing students who are outstanding athletes may apply for a Malaspina Mariner Athletics scholarship.