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Get to know VIU. As a teaching university and a research university, we offer a unique experience to students.

About VIU Why VIU

About VIU

Why VIU?

Explore where VIU is going

The Strategic Plan builds on our commitment to diverse learners and draws on our connection to the community.

Programs Programs

Explore a wide range of program offerings and learning services. Choose from degrees, vocational training, certificates and more.

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Admissions & Aid Admissions & Aid

Discover how to apply to VIU and get more information about tuition and financial aid.

Admissions Tuition and Aid

Admissions

Tuition and Aid

How to become a student

Make your VIU application successful by following these steps to becoming a student.

Steps to become a student

Student Life Student Life

Make the best of your time at VIU. Get involved in campus events and enjoy island adventures.

Student Life Student Services

Student Life

Student Services and Support

Get ready for the new student orientation

Attend in-person and online events, explore campus and connect with your professors and soon-to-be classmates!

Support VIU Support VIU

Connect with other VIU alumni and learn about the impact of donor generosity at VIU.

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VIU Alumni

VIU Donors

Your support means so much to VIU students

Our donors fund over 2000 scholarships, awards, and bursaries each year.

Research Research

Discover how VIU's interdisciplinary research is making a real-world impact.

Research

Research and Creative Activity

Explore the research highlights. Includes recent publications, ground-breaking studies and more.

Research Reports

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aerial view of Building 200 at VIU's Nanaimo campus

News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Eliza Gardiner with a side bun and a flower in her hair

Theatre professor co-creates immersive flower sculpture

June 19, 2026 - 08:20am

Engineering Technician Devin Ayotte and Resource Management and Protection Technician Michael Lester stand in front of marmot weigh scale

Technicians devise remote weigh scale to assess health of Vancouver Island marmots

February 4, 2025 - 03:00pm

20 Nanaimo-Ladysmith recipients of the King Charles III Medal

Retired VIU Anthropology Professor receives King Charles III Coronation Medal

February 4, 2025 - 10:45am

Paul Watkins holds up a copy of his new book in his right hand while resting his chin on the other.

Paul Watkins’ new book Soundin’ Canaan explores Black Canadian voices

January 29, 2025 - 03:15pm

Kimberly Coleman, a woman is standing in front of trees

Scholar explores mountain biking’s social impacts on Indigenous communities

January 15, 2025 - 04:15pm

Terry in garden

Alum of the month: Dr. Terry Poucette

January 7, 2025 - 03:45pm

Sandy and research assistant put something into vials

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2024

December 17, 2024 - 04:30pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

Emma Rampanen smiling at the camera.

Turning clinic experience into community impact

June 9, 2026 By Eric Zimmer

Meet the class of 2026: Emma Rampanen

Cheer on our VIU's Got Talent contenders! 🎤

January 22, 2025

A woman leans on a pillar and smiles into the camera

Finding passion and purpose through a business degree

January 17, 2025

From Classroom to Career: Rinny Jose

Gerri McEwen and Devin Ayotte dig through sand that is lighted blue, green, yellow and red.

Students dig deep into learning with augmented reality sandbox

January 14, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Innovative tool projects topography onto the sand

Dr. Xueling (Julie) Luo and Devin Ayotte adjust an 3D robotic arm.

Robotic arm brings engineering theory to life

January 9, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Engineering department builds 3D robotic arm for interactive learning

Group of VIU Nursing students accept a cheque

MyVIU student news: January 8, 2025

January 8, 2025

Welcome to the Spring Semester! 📚

Brayden Klassen smiling at the camera

Going below the surface on shoreline erosion behaviour

December 16, 2024 By Eric Zimmer

Brayden Klassen shares his story

Statements & Announcements

Candle with light of other candles blurred in background

VIU experts on MAID and finding love in 2024 ❤️

February 9, 2024 - 08:30am

10 actors raise their hands in gratitude on a stage.

Dr. Laura Cranmer reawakens Indigenous languages through powerful play

February 8, 2024 - 03:45pm

Graphic of a hare with the text Karen Solie 2024 Gustafson Distinguished Poet's Lecture, The Path of the Hare.

Celebrated poet Karen Solie to give VIU Gustafson lecture

January 30, 2024 - 10:00am

snow on a mountain

VIU News & Experts: January 24, 2024

January 24, 2024 - 08:45pm

A cyanotype print with a hand, small shells and a seashell.

VIU’s View Gallery presents bailey macabre exhibit in collaboration with the Nanaimo Arts Council

January 23, 2024 - 01:00pm

A VIU music student works on an audio recording device.

VIU’s redesigned Jazz diploma prepares graduates for careers in different music genres

January 22, 2024 - 12:00pm

VIU in the News

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