Located on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Quw'utsun, Tla'amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public teaching university where academic excellence meets real-world learning.
With a wide range of degree options and trades and applied technology programs, we offer a personalized education shaped by expert faculty, hands-on experiences and strong community and industry connections. At VIU, your studies are practical, relevant and focused on your future.
Explore 100+ programs
Whether you’re looking for the arts, sciences, trades or humanities, VIU has a program for you.
Jacob Tortorelli
Bachelor of Kinesiology
"The professors make you work for everything you get. But there was never a point in time where I felt my teachers didn't care."
Discover your place at VIU
Admissions
Find out what it takes to be a VIU student. Spoiler alert: we make it easy!
Leaders, creators, keepers and makers connect at VIU, nurturing a good life for generations to come.
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.
VIU News
The science of mass spectrometry at Vancouver Island University
Zeroing in on cancer with technology that maps molecules inside tissues
VIU News & Experts: October 15, 2026
VIU Events
Pumpkin carving contest
Access & Advocacy: Navigating Accommodations at VIU
Halloween Fright Night
Craft & Connect Beading Circle
Brooks Gill
Information Technology and Applied Systems
"The experience you get at VIU is extremely valuable. The skills you walk out of here with prepare you for a successful career."