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About VIU

A university by and for our community

VIU is a public university in Canada with a long history. Since 1936, we have addressed the needs of Vancouver Island with programs that improve lives in coastal BC. We have grown and adapted to changing times, extending our reach and impact while still focusing on the local community.

Discover why VIU is right for you

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120+ programs 

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International students from 82 countries

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100,000+ alumni and counting

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Meet the President

Dr.  Deborah Saucier has been President and Vice-Chancellor of VIU since July 2019. A distinguished researcher in psychology and neuroscience, she is an advocate of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, accessible educational experience at VIU that is rooted in community. A member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dr. Saucier is passionate about closing  the education gap for Indigenous youth. She is also working to ensure that Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing are reflected in campus spaces.

Office of the President  

What makes VIU different

Inclusion

We welcome all learners to campus by providing an entry point for people at all stages of education.

Equity, diversity and inclusion at VIU

Personal connection 

In every VIU program, your professors know your name and learn about your passions. 

Learning at VIU

Location

We are surrounded by natural beauty on Vancouver island. We are deeply connected to the land and waters. 

Explore Vancouver Island

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Our vision

Welcoming people 

Honouring place 

Building potential

Our values

Understanding

We seek to understand the diversity of thought, identity, and experience of everyone at VIU, and to bring that openness of mind and that curiosity of spirit to all that we do.

Connection

We believe in the power of personal connection and kindness in building experiences that matter.

Commitment

We are motivated by a deep commitment and pride in the growth of our learners, our employees, and our communities.

History of VIU

VIU started out as the Dominion-Provincial Youth Training Centre in 1938. We have adapted to the needs of the community over the years. By the 1950s we began attracting international attention for innovation and hands-on learning. In 1969, we became Malaspina College. Twenty years later, in 1989, we became Malaspina University-College. April 2008 saw the transition to Vancouver Island University. Today we are a full university with robust academic offerings, and, true to our roots, we continue to offer trades and vocational training.

Three coastal campuses

Nanaimo

Our main campus is on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. An ocean-view campus spanning 92 acres. 

Nanaimo campus

Cowichan

On the traditional territory of Cowichan Tribes, the Cowichan campus includes a main campus building and the Cowichan Trades Centre.

Cowichan campus

tiwšɛmawtxʷ

Located in the traditional territory of the Tla’amin First Nation, tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus serves the qathet region of the Sunshine Coast.

tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus

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Be part of something special

Give to VIU

When you give to VIU, you're supporting our students, our community and the research they do. 

You’re creating opportunities for our students' futures and the future of our region.

Give now