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

How advertising imagery reveals Canada’s tourism and transportation narratives

A trip to Hawaii sparked Dr. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh’s research journey Dr. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh, a Vancouver Island University History Professor, is examining...

Indigenous speaker shares an urgent call to action for all Canadians

Acclaimed journalist and author Brandi Morin will deliver the keynote address at VIU’s Indigenous Speakers Series event on November 20. As a Survivor of the...

Explore climate change with VIU experts

VIU experts available November 14, 2024 COP 29 is the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan until November 22, 2024. UN...

VIU Events

Nov
20

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20                   …
Nov
20

Flu and COVID vaccine clinic at VIU

Human Resources and Health and Safety, in partnership with the Superstore Pharmacy, is offering a walk-in Flu and COVID Shot Clinic on Wednesday, November 20…
Nov
20

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…
Nov
20

Bachelor of Hospitality Management and Bachelor of Tourism Management information session

Join us for an exciting information session to learn more about the Bachelor of Hospitality Management and Bachelor of Tourism Management programs at Vancouver…
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