Students on steps

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. 
 

A group of happy people in a lab.

Explore 120+ programs

Whether you’re looking for the arts, sciences, trades or humanities, VIU has a program for you. 

Browse VIU programs

A smiling black man wearing a pink sweatshirt in an art gallery.

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

Blue circle with ripple pattern

Learning at VIU

Follow your interests to find a program that’s right for you.

Learning at VIU

 

Purple circle with mountain pattern

Admissions

Find out what it takes to be a VIU student. Spoiler alert: we make it easy! 

Learn about admissions

Green circle with seed pattern

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. 

Pattern of green ripples over a dark background

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 Professor Emerita re-translates All Quiet on the Western Front

Dr. Katharina Rout shares her thoughts about working on this classic novel For the past couple of years, professional translator Dr. Katharina Rout has been...

Severe weather closure notifications for the 2024-25 year

As today’s windstorm just reminded us, severe weather season is here.  This means from time to time, weather can disrupt campus operations. Before it does,...

VIU psychology professor researching conversation memory in children

The research has important implications for things like reliability of child witness testimony in the justice system. Have you ever been in the middle of...

VIU Events

Nov
5

Geography & Geoscience Labour Market Round Table

Connect with geography and geoscience professionals and employers to learn about working the industry. Students will have the opportunity to hear from…
Nov
5

Esthetics Program Open House

Join us to celebrate the Esthetic's program new home!We're excited to announce our move from the Parksville campus to the Nanaimo campus where we now share a…
Nov
6

Biometric Clinic

Looking to take charge of your health? The VIU HealthyU nursing students are holding a biometric clinic on November 6 at the Cowichan Campus, from 10 am to 2…
Nov
6

Positive Space Alliance Socials

VIU’s Positive Space Alliance socials are back for the fall semester! Join us for a fun, inclusive space open to everyone of any sexual orientation and gender…
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