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

VIU News & Experts: December 13, 2024

It's a Wonderful Life, consumer behaviour, drug education In this issue of VIU news & experts:  Watch the recording of It's a Wonderful Life Consumer...

Re-examining the toxic drug crisis through stories

Dr. Sharen Karsten and her team are taking a community-engaged approach to the research. We are excited to share that Dr. Sharen Karsten, a VIU Recreation and...

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises almost $380,000 for students in need

VIU’s eleventh annual campaign focused on fund that removes barriers to education. Vancouver Island University (VIU) students in financial need will be able to...

VIU Events

Dec
17

Esthetics Program Student Spa Clinic

The VIU Student Spa Clinic located on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus. Our clinic is a teaching facility, where students enrolled in the…
Dec
19

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
Dec
20

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
Dec
21

Milner Christmas Magic

Make memories with your loved ones this holiday season by experiencing Milner's Christmas Magic outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and…
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