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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

Helping youth navigate anxiety and depression

Expert speaker Dr. Shahana Alibhai offers advice for caregiversWatch the recording of the 2025 Engaged Citizens Speaker Series featuring Dr. Alibhai:…

Alumni Spotlight on George Anderson

How VIU helped prepare him for his career as a lawyer and politicianNanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson is used to firsts. The Vancouver Island University…

VIU in the news: March 21, 2025

Training leaders, Hudson’s Bay insolvency, how tariffs affect tourism and more. Amid rising political and global challenges, Vancouver Island University is…

VIU Events

Mar
28

Science, Technology and Engineering Connect

Curious about what it's like to be a student at VIU? If you are 17 or older and you're thinking about applying to VIU, join us to find out what to expect…
Mar
28

Spring Career Fair

Looking for employment opportunities? Join us at the Spring Career Fair! This Career Fair is for all VIU students, alumni and public members to find employment…
Mar
28

Smudging Workshop with Knowledge Keeper Stella Johnson

Smudging Workshop with Metis Knowledge Keeper Stella JohnsonLearn About the four sacred plant medicines Sage Sweet Grass Tobacco CedarAll Supplies will be…
Mar
28

Overdose Awareness: Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training

Learn how to save lives with Heather of AVI Nanaimo during this FREE Naloxone & Harm Reduction training session. This is your chance to gain essential…
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