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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

Message from the Acting President: Update to the Community April 24, 2025

Further to my emails on March 28, April 2 and April 10, I want to continue providing timely updates as we navigate this ever-shifting landscape together. I…

VIU Media Studies showcase on April 24 debuts student work

What: VIU Media Studies showcaseWhen: April 24, from 4 to 7 pmWhere: Verra Creative, 21 Nicol StreetJoin Vancouver Island University (VIU) Media…

Portal “Reaches Out” to its community at the launch of its 2025 issue

The magazine launches on April 25 at the Bowen Park Auditorium from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) student-run literary magazine,…

VIU Events

Apr
24

BBA & MBA programs webinar - South Asia

Have you applied to VIU? Thinking about applying to VIU? Join us to learn what to expect in VIU Business and Management programs.  These programs open…
Apr
24

ASIST Workshop April, 2025

Join this session on April 24-25, 2025 at Nanaimo Campus!ASIST is an internationally recognized two-day workshop that equips you with the skills to provide…
Apr
24

Media Studies Showcase Debuts Stellar Student Work

Join Media Studies students and faculty Thursday April 24th from 4-7 pm at Verra Creative, 21 Nicol St in Nanaimo, for a year-end presentation of projects and…
Apr
24

Early Childhood Education and Care Information Session

Want to make a positive difference in the lives of children?Join us at an upcoming (Teams) ECEC Information Session to find out more about the Early Childhood…
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