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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

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...

5 questions with Neil Surkan, the City of Nanaimo’s new Poet Laureate

VIU English Professor Neil Surkan’s love of poetry goes back to when he was a teenager.   “Initially, I think I liked the idea of poetry more than I liked the...

VIU News & Experts: December 13, 2024

It's a Wonderful Life, consumer behaviour, drug education In this issue of VIU news & experts:  Watch the recording of It's a Wonderful Life Consumer...

VIU Events

Dec
19

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
Dec
20

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
Dec
21

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
Dec
22

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
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