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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 researcher studying how to better people’s long-term ability to walk and run

Dr. Michael Asmussen is looking at ways to improve foot and ankle stabilization to increase performance and minimize injury. We use them every day, usually...

VIU News & Experts: November 6, 2024

Remembrance Day, US election, memory development 🧠 In this issue of VIU news & experts:  Re-translating a classic war novel US election results Studying...

Vancouver Island University hosts provincial recreation conference

The summit brings industry experts from across Canada to Nanaimo The future of recreation in rural communities and small cities is the topic of a provincial...

VIU Events

Nov
13

Rural (Small City) Recreation Summit

This two-day event brings leisure service providers, educators, researchers, and sector leaders together for two days of facilitated discussions, workshops,…
Nov
13

Swim, Sauna, Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ NAC (must show ticket & student ID)

VIU Students are welcome to enjoy FREE admission at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center on Wednesday, November 13. Get some exercise with lane swimming, sweat it out…
Nov
13

Reimagining & Redesigning Sport & Recreation Delivery: Keynote & Reception

Dr. Jackie Oncescu, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at UNB, will deliver the keynote address for the Rural Recreation Summit hosted by…
Nov
15

Esthetics Program Student Spa Clinic

The VIU Student Spa Clinic located on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus. Our clinic is a teaching facility, where students enrolled in the…
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