Vancouver Island University

Get to know VIU

Excellence in teaching, innovative research and an inclusive community at Vancouver Island University prepare students for success in every aspect of life.

VIU is a public university on the west coast of Canada with campuses on the traditional territory of the Suneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations.

Quick Facts

• more than 120 programs, from graduate and undergraduate degrees to trades diplomas and certificates
• 12,000 students (12% Indigenous and 12% international)
• about 1500 faculty and staff
• 121 research projects that involved community partners in 2021-22

You’ve got goals, and we’ll help you reach them

At VIU, we encourage you to explore your passions and interests and develop them into a rewarding career or further studies. Our learning environment empowers you to get the most out of your education. The VIU student experience includes:

• small class sizes
• dedicated, attentive, award-winning faculty
• exceptional undergraduate research opportunities
• collaboration with many community partners
• a diverse community that celebrates differences

Our personalized approach prepares you for success in the workforce and gives you the skills and confidence to make a positive impact everywhere you go.

Work Where You Matter

Imagine a future with a job you love and a life you want to lead – imagine that future at Vancouver Island University. We offer a supportive campus community focused on innovative teaching methods, undergraduate research opportunities and creating an exceptional learning experience for our students.

Consider becoming a part of our team. When you join our campus community, you will work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and be provided with tools and training that inspires and promotes learning. All while you enjoy the pace and quality of life on our beautiful West Coast campuses.

VIU Student Residences

Who Lives on Residences?

Our facilities house over 500 students on VIU’s Nanaimo campus each year. Residents come to our community from across Canada and the world, each bringing different life experiences and perspectives to VIU. This is what makes living in a residence community so interesting and dynamic. Residences abide by the guidelines of our Community Standards Handbook, so we can create a respectful, enjoyable, and safe experience for every student and staff member.

Campus Information

Nanaimo Campus

Located on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, VIU’s main campus in Nanaimo hosts an ocean-view campus, spanning 92 scenic acres, including lush stands of forest and Japanese gardens. Walk nature trails located a few minutes from campus on foot, or take a quick city transit ride to Nanaimo’s harbourside downtown centre for eclectic dining, pubs, coffee shops, and shopping.

Cowichan Campus

VIU’s newest campus offers a broad range of programs and student services in a beautiful and modern LEED Gold Certified facility and a few minutes’ drive away, at the Cowichan Trades Centre. In the heart of Duncan, on the traditional territory of Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Campus is steps from restaurants, shopping and services. Join in outdoor recreation and cultural events, enjoy the bounty of the area's farmlands at farmers’ markets, and arrive at lakes and ocean access in minutes.

Programs

University Programs

Art, Design and Performing Arts

Business and Management

English as a second language

Health Science

Science and Technology

English Language Programs

Why Choose Us?

Six start dates per year: January, February, April, June, August, October

Guaranteed entry to Vancouver Island University upon successful completion (Level 5 for undergraduate programs and Grad Prep for graduate programs.)

Transfer ESL courses across many public institutions in British Columbia

TESL certificate for teachers

3-week and 4-week summer and winter camps

Small class sizes

Access to the facilities and experiences available on the university campus

Access to housing, counselling and immigration advising

Fully accredited by Languages Canada

Special blend of a caring and nurturing education

Day and weekend road trips to discover Vancouver Island's vibrant communities, local cultural events and attractions

An environment that balances academic accomplishments with social and relationship skills

High School at VIU

The High School at Vancouver Island University is one of 2 high schools in Canada that are part of a university. We offer high school students the independence and flexibility of learning on a university campus with access to university facilities (including library, gymnasium, science labs, and cafeteria).

A student-teacher ratio of 15:1 creates a more personalized learning environment for our 100 students, and a one-to-one technology initiative puts a Chromebook into the hands of every student. Our diverse student body allows for a multicultural learning environment with representation from Canada (40%) and around 20 other countries (60%).

The High School at VIU also offers intensive language support aimed at preparing students to graduate from a Canadian high school and study in English at a university level.