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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

VIU Statement: Inclusivity in sports is a shared responsibility

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in both our academic and athletic programs. We firmly believe that these...

Alum of the month: Dr. Terry Poucette

VIU alum Dr. Terry Poucette is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Kiipitakyoyis, or Grandmother’s Lodge, at the Faculty of Social Work, University...

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2024

From shellfish biotoxins, to 3,000-year-old beer, to conspicuous consumption research, Vancouver Island University experts had a busy year in the media. Here...

VIU Events

Jan
15

RockVIU - Winter Connect Fair

The Connect Fair is a signature event held annually during the fall RockVIU, bringing together internal and external partners for a vibrant day of games,…
Jan
17

VIU Mariners Basketball

Don’t miss one of British Columbia’s best basketball rivalries: the Island Rivalry between VIU and Camosun College (Victoria, B. C. )!The VIU Mariners women…
Jan
18

VIU Mariners Basketball

Don’t miss one of British Columbia’s best basketball rivalries: the Island Rivalry between VIU and Camosun College (Victoria, B. C. )!The VIU Mariners women…
Jan
20

Search Committee Training

Employee Recruitment is pleased to offer Search Committee Training sessions throughout 2025, designed for all employees participating in search committees.…
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