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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 News & Experts: February 14, 2025

Canada-US relations experts 🇨🇦🇺🇸 We know what is happening with our neighbour to the south is top of mind for everyone right now, and will be for quite some...

VIU News & Experts: February 5, 2025

The Black History Month edition In this issue of VIU news & experts:  Black History Month events and experts Weighing marmots in the wild Truck donation...

VIU Nanaimo campus on track to re-open today (February 5)

Update: February 5, 2025: VIU’s Nanaimo campus will re-open at noon today (Wednesday, February 5) after a severe weather closure. VIU’s Cowichan and...

VIU Events

Feb
18

SafeTALK

SafeTALK is a face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals, and skills practice. At a LivingWorks safeTALK workshop, you'll learn how…
Feb
18

Student Exchange Support sessions

Exchange is an incredible opportunity to explore new cultures, gain global experience, and broaden your academic and personal horizons. Our Exchange Support…
Feb
19

Esthetics Program Student Spa Clinic

The VIU Student Spa Clinic located on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus. Our clinic is a teaching facility, where students enrolled in the…
Feb
19

Meet VIU Cowichan

Meet VIU in CowichanWhether you’re interested in VIU or have already applied, this is your chance to get all the details you need and answers to all your…
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