Vancouver Island University is nestled on a mountainside overlooking the Salish Sea on the West Coast of Canada. Here inspiration is around every corner, every tree and every open door. It’s a place you’ll make real connections: on campus, in community and with the land

We help you explore your interests and learn the skills you need to create the future you want. We’re here to support your success with:

• expert professors who care about your learning, and remember your name


• practical, hands-on experiences, in every program


• a community that values diversity, and celebrates differences

At VIU, you can choose from over 120 programs. We offer a range of options and starting points including undergraduate and graduate programs, trades and upgrading. Explore your options on our website.

At VIU's student housing, you'll find friendly study communities, and the ResLife team plans lots of fun activities. If you need guidance or support, you can connect with the Community Leader for your area. VIU prioritizes a space in residence for all first-year students. Apply by May 1 to qualify for priority.

Residences offers three styles of rooms, accommodating either a single student or two students sharing. Attractive, low-rise style buildings feature accommodation in either apartment or townhouse style units. The VIU Residences area includes beach volleyball and basketball courts, as well as games and activity rooms.

Visit the off-campus housing page to learn about how VIU can help you find off-campus housing.

VIU Recruiters are available to connect with future students and help schools prepare students to transition to university. To discuss admissions, the application process or any questions you or your students might have, email Recruiting at connect@viu.ca or call 250-740-6672.

VIU Education Advisors can help with goal setting to connect your studies with a future career. They offer great resources and support to help you get the most out of your time at VIU. Educational Advisors are available to serve students by phone, email or a one-on-one Zoom appointment. You also can gain valuable work co-op and internship experience while you are a student at VIU.

At VIU #WeAreAllMariners. As a Mariner, you can experience meaningful connections, wellness and personal growth through sport and recreation. We invite all students to wear VIU blue and cheer on our teams at home games, use our gym and weight room facilities, or make friends at intramural tournaments and outdoor recreation excursions. Mariners' varsity teams have a tradition of excellence, winning two CCAA National Championships in 2019 (women's volleyball and men's basketball) while also leading the PACWEST division with a record five team provincial championships.

Vancouver Island one of the most beautiful places on Earth. When you live here, your options for fun and adventure are limited only by your imagination! You have easy access to outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hiking and beach trips. Ski and surf adventures are less than a day of travel away. You can also enjoy dining, live music, theater, museums, galleries, and Indigenous cultural experiences in the nearby communities. Explore on your own or join one of the activities offered through VIU’sOutdoor Recreation department.

Start the year out right. Get involved. Students who take part in at least one extracurricular activity enjoy a more fulfilling university experience. The VIU Students' Union offers 40 to 50 clubs to join every year. This includes program-specific, activist and passion-related clubs. You can also get involved as a Student Ambassador or on the Fun@VIU Committee. You can write for the Navigator student newspaper or get involved with CHLY 101.7 FM, the campus community radio station.

Wireless internet access is available at campus drop-in computer labs and is included in some residences. Video editing and printing rooms are available in student access labs and student e-mail accounts are available to all.

With The View campus art gallery, Malaspina Theatre, and Shq'apthut, VIU's Aboriginal Gathering Place, there's no shortage of cultural activities on campus. Feasts, cultural activities, social and recreational activities at Shq'apthut involve Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, who are welcomed by supportive staff and Indigenous Elders-in Residence. VIU's Faculty of International Education hosts many cultural activities where students from more than 80 different countries learn about world cultures. At campus and community events, students share food, music and traditions

VIU students can access a wide range of supports and services, including:

• learning and research assistance
• disability access services
• success coaching
• math and writing support centres
• peer supported learning program
• career services
• academic counselling
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Services for Aboriginal Students helps Indigenous students achieve career and educational goals through their studies.

Visit VIU's main campus in Nanaimo for a glimpse of the student experience and learning environment. Campus One-hour campus tours are led by friendly and knowledgeable Student Ambassadors. To request a tour, you can book online.

To learn more about VIU, visit our future students page.