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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

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada

As we mark Asian Heritage Month this May, we want to acknowledge the recent tragedy that took place at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver. Our hearts are…

Alum spotlight on Gregory Vandergrift

Working as a researcher in VIU’s Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL) was the “most pivotal experience” of Gregory Vandergrift’s undergraduate…

VIU trades programs showcase career opportunities at two events this week

What: Trades & Tech Showcase and Heavy Metal Rocks 2025When: Heavy Metal Rocks: Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2.  Trades & Tech Showcase:…

VIU Events

May
5

MBA Program Information Sessions

If you're thinking about applying for the VIU Master of Business Administration program, you won't want to miss this online information session with MBA…
May
6

There's a Time and a Place for Academic Freedom: Defending VIU's Mission in the Here and Now

Academic Freedom continues to be a hot topic in Canadian post-secondary, especially now with the sector experiencing crisis after crisis, leading to inevitable…
May
6

Philosophy Talk: How can we know what others are thinking? A critique of Simulation Theory as an explanation for Theory of Mind

How do we understand what others are thinking and communicating?  Do we merely simulate their mental states or “put ourselves in their shoes”?  Or do…
May
8

Protecting Salmon from Tire Wear Toxicants: 6PPDQ Workshop

A gathering of researchers, professionals, community and First Nation partners to review policy, solutions, monitoring, and toxicology of tire wear toxicants…
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