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Vancouver Island University

A better world starts here

On a mountainside overlooking the Salish Sea on the West Coast of Canada is the main VIU campus in Nanaimo. Here you find inspiration all around you. It’s a place you’ll make real connections – on campus, in community and with the land.

Student success in the classroom and beyond is at the heart of everything we do. Our community of support is here for all students. And we offer custom supports for Indigenous students, international students, adult learners and those who face learning challenges. 
 

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Explore 120+ programs

Whether you’re looking for the arts, sciences, trades or humanities, VIU has a program for you. 

Browse VIU programs

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Enigye “Happy” Amarkah

Bachelor of Arts, Visual Art

“The teachers are like family to us. If you have a problem, you can contact your professor and they’ll solve it with you like you are their own kids. If I had to do it all over again, I would still come here."

How to become a VIU student

Discover your place at VIU

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Learning at VIU

Follow your interests to find a program that’s right for you.

Learning at VIU

 

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Admissions

Find out what it takes to be a VIU student. Spoiler alert: we make it easy! 

Learn about admissions

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Student life

Explore your opportunities to get involved at VIU.

Learn about student life

Leaders, creators, keepers and makers connect at VIU, nurturing a good life for generations to come. 

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Visit VIU’s Nanaimo campus

Experience VIU with all your senses during a campus tour. Take in the stunning ocean view and the surrounding forest. Explore all the campus has to offer with a student ambassador as your guide. 

Take a campus tour

VIU News

5 Questions with Cobus Swarts

The deeper Dr. Cobus Swarts immersed himself in mathematics, the more his passion for the subject intensified. Swarts, a VIU Mathematics Professor and Math...

VIU News & Experts: October 23, 2024

Sports psychology, climate change symposium 🌍 In this issue of VIU news & experts:  Sports pyschology expert: setting your kids up for success The history...

Our Town explores love, loss and life’s fragility

What: Our Town – VIU Theatre department’s fall play When: October 31 to November 9, 7:30 pm Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), Nanaimo campus Our Town ...

VIU Events

Oct
25

Scarecrow Spectacular at Milner Gardens

Join us in celebrating the beauty of fall in the Gardens with our Second Annual Scarecrow Spectacular! Visitors are encouraged to dress up in family-…
Oct
25

VIU Mariners Basketball

Catch top-flight Canadian collegiate basketball at the VIU Gym as the Mariners men’s and women’s varsity teams host the Columbia Bible College Bearcats (…
Oct
26

A Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: A Climate Change Symposium

Free Event! Awareness of Climate Change through Education and Research presents A Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: A Climate Change Symposium. Join…
Oct
26

Scarecrow Spectacular at Milner Gardens

Join us in celebrating the beauty of fall in the Gardens with our Second Annual Scarecrow Spectacular! Visitors are encouraged to dress up in family-…
Aiden Kilcommons

Aiden Kilcommons

If I was only able to take away one thing from my experience here at VIU it would be the relationships I have been able to form with these amazing people. I have learned so much not only about geology, but life in general and will cherish the memories made for the rest of my life.

Bachelor of Science, Geoscience

How to become a VIU student