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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

Celebrate autumn during Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Scarecrow Spectacular

What: Scarecrow Spectacular  When: October 25 to 27, from 11 am to 3 pm Where: Milner Gardens & Woodland Experience the beauty of fall at Milner Gardens...

VIU Professor’s new book explores identity and reconnection through reclamation

Dr. Georgina Martin is hosting a book launch on October 22, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre at the Nanaimo campus.  Dr. Georgina Martin’s new...

VIU-led project working to protect Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region ecosystems

Eastern Vancouver Island is one of nine eco-crisis regions in Canada. Only about three per cent of the land in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is...

VIU Events

Oct
11

Open Mic Night

At Malaspina TheatreCome out to our Open Mic Night at the theatre. Singing,  Dancing , Poetry. . . We have a little bit of everything. Doors open at 6:…
Oct
17

Great British Columbia Shakeout Earthquake Drill

Earthquake preparation is important for everyone in our region, a seismically active zone, so all of VIU’s campuses participate. The annual Great British…
Oct
18

SafeTALK Workshop October 18, 2024

SafeTALK is a face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals, and skills practice. At a this session, you'll learn how to prevent suicide…
Oct
18

All Things Language: Linguistics of VIU

Arts and Humanities Colloquium SeriesYoichi Mukai, Modern Languages StudiesThis talk will introduce two of VIU's linguistic initiatives: The Linguistic…
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