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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

VIU Elders receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

Geraldine Manson (C-tasi:a) and Thiyuas - Florence James were honoured earlier this month. One current Vancouver Island University (VIU) Elder-in-Residence as...

Choosing eco-friendly boat cleaners just got easier thanks to VIU researcher’s product database

What products can you use to clean your boat that won’t harm the environment?  VIU researchers are giving consumers the answers with a database that breaks...

VIU News & Experts: November 26, 2024

16 Days of Activism, tax breaks and festive photo ops 🎄 In this issue of VIU news & experts:  Experts on gender-based violence Is a GST holiday a good...

VIU Events

Nov
29

Swim, Sauna, Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ NAC (must show ticket & student ID)

VIU Students are welcome to enjoy FREE admission at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center on Friday, November 29. Get some exercise with lane swimming, sweat it out in…
Nov
29

Flu and COVID vaccine clinic at VIU

Human Resources and Health and Safety, in partnership with the Superstore Pharmacy, is offering a walk-in Flu and COVID Shot Clinic on Friday, November 29 from…
Nov
29

Trade Talk with Hilary Peach - Thick Skin: Field Notes from a Sister in the Brotherhood

SEATS ARE LIMITED TO 70 - first come first serve.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from boilermaker, artist, and award-winning author Hilary…
Nov
29

VIU Mariners Basketball

Join the VIU Mariners men’s and women’s varsity basketball teams at the VIU Gym this weekend for our final home games of the 2024 fall semester. Be ready to…
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