Located on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Quw'utsun, Tla'amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public teaching university where academic excellence meets real-world learning.
With a wide range of degree options and trades and applied technology programs, we offer a personalized education shaped by expert faculty, hands-on experiences and strong community and industry connections. At VIU, your studies are practical, relevant and focused on your future.
Explore 100+ programs
Whether you’re looking for the arts, sciences, trades or humanities, VIU has a program for you.
Jacob Tortorelli
Bachelor of Kinesiology
"The professors make you work for everything you get. But there was never a point in time where I felt my teachers didn't care."
Discover your place at VIU
Admissions
Find out what it takes to be a VIU student. Spoiler alert: we make it easy!
Leaders, creators, keepers and makers connect at VIU, nurturing a good life for generations to come.
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.
VIU News
Zeroing in on cancer with technology that maps molecules inside tissues
VIU News & Experts: October 15, 2026
VIU offers free course on how to keep building materials out of landfills
VIU Events
Food 4 Thought: Disability & Self-Advocacy
Child and Youth Care (CYC) Information Session
“World-Making” protests: Resistance and mobilization for Palestine and beyond
Pumpkin carving contest
Brooks Gill
Information Technology and Applied Systems
"The experience you get at VIU is extremely valuable. The skills you walk out of here with prepare you for a successful career."