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Get to know VIU. As a teaching university and a research university, we offer a unique experience to students.

About VIU Why VIU

About VIU

Why VIU?

Explore where VIU is going

The Strategic Plan builds on our commitment to diverse learners and draws on our connection to the community.

Programs Programs

Explore a wide range of program offerings and learning services. Choose from degrees, vocational training, certificates and more.

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Learning Services

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Admissions & Aid Admissions & Aid

Discover how to apply to VIU and get more information about tuition and financial aid.

Admissions Tuition and Aid

Admissions

Tuition and Aid

How to become a student

Make your VIU application successful by following these steps to becoming a student.

Steps to become a student

Student Life Student Life

Make the best of your time at VIU. Get involved in campus events and enjoy island adventures.

Student Life Student Services

Student Life

Student Services and Support

Get ready for the new student orientation

Attend in-person and online events, explore campus and connect with your professors and soon-to-be classmates!

Support VIU Support VIU

Connect with other VIU alumni and learn about the impact of donor generosity at VIU.

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VIU Alumni

VIU Donors

Your support means so much to VIU students

Our donors fund over 2000 scholarships, awards, and bursaries each year.

Research Research

Discover how VIU's interdisciplinary research is making a real-world impact.

Research

Research and Creative Activity

Explore the research highlights. Includes recent publications, ground-breaking studies and more.

Research Reports

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News

VIU in the News

Latest Stories

Alumni spotlight on Tonia Laird

June 26, 2025 - 10:38am

A woman reading childrens picture books

Using children’s picture books to teach about climate change

February 24, 2025 - 12:00pm

Dr. Chris Gill observes as Lucas Abruzzi puts a sample in the mass spectrometer.

Algae bloom toxins are an emerging threat to human and animal health

February 24, 2025 - 11:30am

Author Julia Hotz inviting you to join the Social Prescribing event in Nanaimo, BC

Social prescribing program advancing senior’s health in Central Island

February 20, 2025 - 09:45am

Eliot stands in front of his exhibit at the Museum of Natural History

VIU alum exhibits at Museum of Natural History in New York City

February 19, 2025 - 07:45pm

Two freight containers swinging into each other, one has the Canada flag, the other has the United States flag

VIU News & Experts: February 14, 2025

February 15, 2025 - 10:15am

VIU News & Experts: February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025 - 05:00pm

VIU Blog

Find out what's going on at VIU!

VIU Graduate, wearing convocation robes, Olivia Thomas is holding a medal while standing outside in front of a garden

From foster care to university graduate

June 24, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Olivia Thomas’s 14-year journey of resilience and perseverance

Male student leaning on a chair in a library

VIU student researches perceptions of women’s rights in Iran

April 17, 2025 By Annette Lucas

Reza Arbabi is investigating the views of Canadians on this topic

Three students wearing Urchin Tank T-Shirts talk while sitting at a table

MyVIU student news: April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Semester end is almost here 🙌

a woman studies at a desk in the library

Unlock your study superpowers

April 12, 2025 By Samantha Letourneau, Peer-Supported Learning Coordinator

How peer-supported learning strategies can help you prep for exams

Sarima Amadi looks into a microscope in the biology lab, while wearing a white lab coat.

Could a common tire chemical threaten fruit flies?

April 9, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Sarima Amadi investigates impact of tire toxins

A student lies in another students arms

Theatre without barriers

April 3, 2025 By Rachel Stern

Inclusive Theatre Collective prioritizes community and belonging

Two students discuss a poster behind them, one holds a naloxone kit

MyVIU student news: April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

End of semester supports ... and fun 📚

Statements & Announcements

VIU News & Experts: December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024 - 10:45am

Group of four people holding a cheque

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

December 6, 2024 - 03:30pm

Five women hold Christmas lights at Milner Gardens with a ladder behind them

VIU News & Experts: November 26, 2024

November 26, 2024 - 05:15pm

Brandi is wearing a blue shirt and sits with her arms on a table in front of her

Indigenous speaker shares an urgent call to action for all Canadians

November 14, 2024 - 01:15pm

A picture of a solider and his family to the left, a copy of a letter in the foreground

VIU News & Experts: November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024 - 10:45am

Text reads Severe Weather Closure with snow and a blue background

Severe weather closure notifications for the 2024-25 year

November 4, 2024 - 04:00pm

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