For information on how to make fee payments see How do I pay?
All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Academic programs (undergraduate and graduate)
Tuition deposits
Students who are new to the University are required to pay a tuition deposit upon acceptance:
- $200 for domestic students in an undergraduate program
- $10,000 for international students in an undergraduate program, or a graduate certificate or diploma program
- $1,000 for domestic students in a graduate program
- $10,000 for international students in a master degree program
Tuition deposits are normally non-refundable, but may be transferred to another semester or program entry point that begins within twelve months. The paid deposit is applied towards the fee assessment of the first semester.
Details regarding the due date for tuition deposits are included in the offer of admission. Failure to pay the deposit by this due date will render the offer of admission null and void.
Students continuing from one academic year to the next in the same program of studies are not required to pay a tuition deposit.
Balance of tuition fees
For academic programs, the balance of fees will normally be due two weeks after the start of the semester. Beginning in 2024, the balance of fees for Summer Session courses will be due at the end of the first week of classes.
Students who do not pay their fees by the tuition payment deadline will be assessed a late fee equivalent to 5% of the outstanding balance.
Trades and Applied Technology programs
Tuition deposits
Students are required to pay a tuition deposit of $200 upon acceptance to a Trades and Applied Technology program.
Tuition deposits are normally non-refundable, but may be transferred to another program entry point that begins within twelve months. The paid deposit is applied towards the balance of fees owing. Details regarding the due date for tuition deposits are included in the offer of admission. Failure to pay the deposit by this due date will render the offer of admission null and void.
Balance of tuition fees
The balance of tuition fees is due in full 4 weeks prior to the first day of the term for all Trades & Applied Technology programs.
Academic and Career Preparation and English as a Second Language programs
Tuition deposits
Students who are new to Academic and Career Preparation or English as a Second Language programs may be required to pay a tuition deposit upon acceptance:
- domestic students are not charged a tuition deposit
- international students are charged a $5,000 tuition deposit
The paid deposit is applied towards the balance of fees owing.
Balance of tuition fees
The balance of tuition fees is normally due two weeks after the start of the semester.
Professional Development and Training programs
Full fees are due and payable at the time of program admission or course registration, or as noted in an offer of admission.
Tuition refunds
General regulations regarding refunds
- Tuition deposits are non-refundable and may affect the amount of any refund available
- Refunds are calculated from the date on which the official withdrawal is submitted using the online registration system or is received in the Registration Centre
- Unpaid fines and other amounts owing the University will be deducted from the refund
- Students required to withdraw from a class or classes due to violation of the Student Conduct Code or the Academic Integrity policy are not entitled to any refund
Refunds are held on the student account and will be applied against future term’s fees unless the student requests the funds to be returned.
International refunds are processed through the PayMyTution refund portal.
Academic (undergraduate and graduate), and Trades and Applied Technology programs
Tuition refunds will be based on the following scale for Fall and Spring semesters:
- Prior to the first day of the semester: 100% refund, excluding tuition deposit
- During the first two weeks of the semester:
- Partial withdrawal (the student remains enrolled in at least one other class in the semester or term): 100% refund for the course, excluding tuition deposit
- Full withdrawal (the student withdraws from all classes in the semester or term): 90% refund, excluding tuition deposit
- After the second week of the semester: 50% refund, excluding tuition deposit
- After the fourth week of the semester: no refund—full fees assessed and payable
Refunds for other academic sessions will be pro-rated based on the length of the session.
Refund requests under extenuating circumstances
Appeals for refunds regarding courses dropped after the deadline are considered by a Fee Appeal Committee. These appeals must demonstrate that classes were dropped after the deadline due to extraordinary circumstances that arose beyond the student’s control, such as a serious medical issue or a death of a family member. Financial hardship does not qualify as grounds for a refund. Documentation is required to support the request.
Appeals will be considered for Fall or Spring semester courses dropped on or before November 1 or March 1. Appeal timelines for other academic sessions will be pro-rated based on the length of the session.
Appeal requests must be submitted within one calendar year of the official withdrawal date for the course(s).
The Fee Appeal Committee may authorize refunds of up to 50%.
English as a Second Language, Academic and Career Preparation, and Access programs
Tuition refunds will be based on the following scale for Fall and Spring semesters:
- up to the end of the second week of the semester: 100% refund, minus any tuition deposit paid
- after the second week of the semester: no refund—full fees assessed and payable
- refunds for other academic sessions will be pro-rated based on the length of the session
Professional Development and Training courses
For most courses, fees are refundable if you withdraw at least seven days before the course starts. Extenuating circumstances may be considered for partial refunds. Note that special refund deadlines are stated for some courses, and we are unable to issue refunds after those deadlines.
Non-Refundable Fees: Some courses may have non-refundable Tuition, Application, and/or Material Fees.
A full refund is issued if a course is cancelled.
Study Abroad
Different refund policies apply for Study Abroad programs. Learn more at VIU Education Abroad.