Students on steps

Key Facts About VIU

VIU is a diverse and dynamic learning community. The university empowers students to turn their potential into real-world success. Explore VIU's programs at Learning at VIU.

Please note that all data on this page is current to fiscal year 2023-24.

VIU at a glance

There were over 13,000 students at VIU in 2023-24

13,000+ students

There were over 1,600 international students from 85 countries at VIU in 2023-24

1,600+ international students from 85 countries

There were over 1,500 Indigenous students at VIU in 2023-24

1,500+ Indigenous students

There were over 100,000 VIU alumni in 160 countries in 2023-24

100,000+ alumni in 160 countries

There were over 2,000 VIU faculty and staff at VIU in 2023-24

2,000+ faculty and staff members

There were more than 120 programs of study at VIU in 2023-24

120+ programs of study

Source: The Office of University Planning and Analysis Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2024)

VIU students

By program category

Undergraduate 7,284; Skills 2,157; Developmental 1,605; Trades 1,377; Graduate 1,255; Vocational 717

By age

Under 19 years old 1,313; 19-24 years old 5,086; 25-34 years old 3,399; 35 and older 3,819

Source: The Office of University Planning and Analysis Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2024)

Learning community

VIU supports equal learning opportunities for all.

Domestic 10,384 or 76%; International 1,649 or 12%; Indigenous 1,585 or 12%
Women 7,859 or 58%; Men 5,299 or 39%; Non-binary 210 or 2%; Not disclosed 250 or 2%

Source: The Office of University Planning and Analysis Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2024)

Students from around the world

VIU welcomes students from around the world. As of fiscal year 2023-24, VIU had more than 1,600 international students.

India 34%; China 9%; Germany 7%; Nigeria 7%; Japan 5%; Others 38%

Source: The Office of University Planning and Analysis Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2024)

VIU campuses

VIU's main campus is in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. We also have campuses in Cowichan and at tiwšɛmawtxʷ in the qathet region. Each campus offers a mix of academic and trades programs.

Thriving community

500+ students in 10 residences

Rich sports tradition

16 CCAA and 54 PACWEST titles

Diversity of interests

Over 50 clubs and organizations

Student aid

According to VIU's Advancement Department, June 2024, $6.7 million (CAD) was available in scholarships, awards and bursaries in 2023-24.

Available scholarships, awards and bursaries (CDN dollars)

VIU scholarships and awards

Source: VIU's Advancement Department, June 2024

According to VIU's Financial Aid and Awards Office, June 2024, 195 VIU students were enrolled in the Post-Care Tuition Waiver program.

VIU students enrolled in the Post-Care Tuition Waiver program

Post-Care Tuition Waiver program

Source: VIU's Financial Aid and Awards Office, June 2024

According to VIU's CLB Project Lead, May 2024, 45% of eligible families and youth registered to receive the Canada Learning Bond.

Percentage of eligible families and youth registered to receive the Canada Learning Bond

Canada Learning Bond

Source: VIU's CLB Project Lead, May 2024

Credentials awarded

Undergraduate certificates 1,711; Bachelor's degrees 810; Graduate degrees and diplomas 421; Apprenticeships 377; Undergraduate diplomas 314; Other credentials 433

 

Source: The Office of University Planning and Analysis Student Goals Snapshot (May 1, 2024)

VIU grad job prospects

A strong majority of VIU graduates responding to the BC Student Outcomes between 2019 and 2023 reported that they are employed:

According to the BC Student Outcomes Survey Results 2019-2023, 87% of VIU Baccalaureate graduates reported being employed between 2019 and 2023.

Baccalaureate

According to the BC Student Outcomes Survey Results 2019-2023, 89% of VIU diploma and certificate graduates reported being employed between 2019 and 2023.

Diploma and certificate

According to the BC Student Outcomes Survey Results 2019-2023, 91% of VIU apprenticeship graduates reported being employed between 2019 and 2023.

Apprenticeship

85 per cent

Trades foundation and vocational

Student-to-faculty FTE ratio

VIU's student FTE ratio was 15.0 in 2023-24