Students on steps

Key facts about VIU

VIU is a diverse and dynamic learning community. The university empowers students to turn their potential into real-world success. Explore VIU's programs at Learning at VIU.

VIU at a glance

There were over 13,000 students at VIU in 2023-24

12,644 students

There were over 1,600 international students from 85 countries at VIU in 2023-24

1,381 international students from 83 countries

There were over 1,500 Indigenous students at VIU in 2023-24

1,700 Indigenous students

There were over 100,000 VIU alumni in 160 countries in 2023-24

100,000+ alumni in 160 countries

There were over 2,000 VIU faculty and staff at VIU in 2023-24

2,000+ faculty and staff members

There were more than 120 programs of study at VIU in 2023-24

100+ programs

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2025)

VIU students

By program category

VIU students: undergraduate: 57%; Skills: 15%; Developmental: 12%; Trades: 12%; Graduate: 9%; Vocational: 3%

By age

VIU students under 19: 11%; 19 to 24: 39%; 25 to 34: 26%; Over 35: 24%

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2025)

Learning community

VIU supports equal learning opportunities for all.

VIU students are: 57% women; 40% men; 2% non-binary 2%; gender not disclosed; 76% non-Indigenous domestic; 11% International; 13% Indigenous

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2025)

Students from around the world

VIU welcomes students from around the world. In fiscal year 2024-25, VIU had almost 1,400 international students:

VIU International students: 33% from India, 8% China, 8% Germany, 7% Nigeria, 7% Japan, 38% other

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2025)

VIU campuses

VIU's main campus is in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. We also have campuses in Cowichan and at tiwšɛmawtxʷ in the qathet region. Each campus offers a mix of academic and trades programs.

Thriving community

500+ students in 10 residences

Rich sports tradition

16 CCAA and 54 PACWEST titles

Diversity of interests

Over 50 clubs and organizations

Student aid

According to VIU's Advancement Department, June 2024, $6.7 million (CAD) was available in scholarships, awards and bursaries in 2023-24.

Available scholarships, awards and bursaries (CDN dollars)

VIU scholarships and awards

Source: VIU's Advancement Department, June 2024

According to VIU's Financial Aid and Awards Office, June 2024, 195 VIU students were enrolled in the Post-Care Tuition Waiver program.

VIU students enrolled in the Post-Care Tuition Waiver program

Post-Care Tuition Waiver program

Source: VIU's Financial Aid and Awards Office, June 2024

According to VIU's CLB Project Lead, May 2024, 45% of eligible families and youth registered to receive the Canada Learning Bond.

Percentage of eligible families and youth registered to receive the Canada Learning Bond

Canada Learning Bond

Source: VIU's CLB Project Lead, May 2024

Credentials awarded

In 2024-25 VIU awarded 1,644 undergrad certificates, 794 bachelor's degrees, 562 grad degrees, 380 undergrad diplomas, 320 other credentials

 

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Student Goals Snapshot (May 1, 2025)

VIU grad job prospects

A strong majority of VIU graduates responding to the BC Student Outcomes between 2022 and 2024 reported that they have a job related to their program:

Blue-coloured 81 percent

Baccalaureate

Blue-coloured 82 percent

Diploma and certificate

Blue-coloured 93 percent

Apprenticeship

Blue-coloured 81 percent

Trades

Source: BC Student Outcomes Survey Results 2022-2024

Student-to-faculty FTE ratio

VIU's student-to-faculty FTE ratio in 2024-25 was 16.1

 

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2025)