Compare

Vancouver Island University

Canada

Study in Canada with Vancouver Island University

Please enter your details on the below form
 

Vancouver Island University History

Vancouver Island University also known as VIU is a Canadian higher education establishment located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The university was established as Malaspina College in 1969 and was renamed to Malaspina University College in 1988. It was conferred university status in 2008 and currently enrols over 16000 undergraduate and graduate students. 

Vancouver Island University Programs, Courses and Schools

Vancouver Island University offers graduate programs in Community Planning, Languages and Culture, Business Administration, Business, International Trade, Project Management, Hospitality Management, Sustainable Leisure Management, Education Leadership, Education, Online Learning and Teaching, Special Education, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Geographic Information Systems Applications.  

Vancouver Island University offers undergraduate programs in Anthropology, Arts, Creative Writing, Criminology, Economics, English, Geography, Global Studies, History, Indigenous Studies, Languages and Culture, Liberal Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Women Studies, Digital Media Studies, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Jazz Studies, Technical Theatre, Visual Arts, Business Management, Culinary Arts and Management, Recreation and Sports Management, Hospitality Management, Pastry Arts, Tourism Management, Wine Business, Education, Physical Education, TESOL, Child and Youth Care, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Social Work, Community Support, Sciences and Technology, Forest Resources, Geosciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Natural Resource Protection. 

Vancouver Island University Achievements

Vancouver Island University is ranked 40th in Canada and amongst top 1200 universities in the world by UniRank University Rankings. The university is also ranked 55th nationally and amongst top 700 universities in North America by EduRank university rankings. 

Vancouver Island University is also accredited by several renowned professional bodies such as Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - AACSB International, Commission on Dental Accreditation Canada, Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, and Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board. 

Vancouver Island University USP

Vancouver Island University is a member of a number of professional bodies and associations including Universities Canada, Canadian Bureau for International Education CBIE, and Canadian University Press amongst others. 

Vancouver Island University has an acceptance rate of 65%, making it an averagely selective institution. The university also awards generous scholarships and offers affordable tuition fee structures for international students. 

Vancouver Island University Notable Alumni

Gwen O’Mahony (Canadian Politician), Paul Manly (Member of the Canadian House of Commons), Víctor Blasco (Spanish footballer), and Amelia Alcock-White (Canadian artist).

Vancouver Island University Infrastructure and Services

Vancouver Island University is a multicampus university serving the Vancouver Island and Coastal British Columbia areas of British Columbia, Canada. The main campus of the university is located in Nanaimo which offers state of the art infrastructure and services to students. 

The university is ranked 40th in Canada and amongst top 1200 universities in the world by UniRank University Rankings. The university is also ranked 55th nationally and amongst top 700 universities in North America by EduRank university rankings. 

Campuses in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University has its primary campus located in the city of Nanaimo in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The university also maintains a few regional centers in Powell River, Duncan, and Parksville-Qualicum Beach. All the campuses offers modern facilities, services, and infrastructure to its students which is conducive to learning. 

The campus in Nanaimo houses the university’s administrative headquarters and comprises of over 96000 metre square of built up area offering modern lecture halls and classrooms, laboratories for research and engineering students, library, recreational spaces and leisure facilities, halls of residence, and various student support services. 

Libraries in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University Library Services offer a range of books, video and audio resources, newspapers, Google Scholar articles, databases, journals, and open access articles. Students can also avail services such as online catalogue, printing and scanning facilities, multimedia and computing facilities, meeting zones and quiet study areas, and technological and audio visual equipment. 

Housing Services in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University offers a number of accommodation options both on-campus and off-campus located close to cafeterias, restaurants, banks, ATMs, shops, and public transport. The city of Nanaimo is a small city offering affordable living costs than most other cities in British Columbia. 

On-Campus: The university accommodates upto 500 students on its on-campus accommodation which includes traditional halls of residence to more modern apartment complexes. The rooms are either single or double occupancy, offer a high quality of living, and are fully furnished. 

Some of the features include,

  • Furnishings and Utilities included
  • Wireless Internet available 
  • Common Kitchens and Pods 
  • Shared Washrooms 
  • Single or Double Sharing Options 

Off-Campus: Vancouver Island University also assists the students with finding private accommodation options in the city. Students can call +1 250 740 6159 or email [email protected] for general enquiries related to off-campus housing. 

The university also partners with Places4Students, a rental agency to offer listings of available rental properties in the city. Students can choose from a range of houses and apartments with single occupancy rooms, common washrooms and kitchens, and shared utility bills. 

Medical Services in Vancouver Island University

The VIU Health and Wellness Centre located on-campus offers medical and health services to the students at the university and is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and Medical Office Assistant. Students can call +1 250 740 6620 to book an appointment. In case of emergencies, students should dial 911 to avail ambulance assistance. 

Student Clubs in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University Student Union also called VIU Student Union or VIUSU is the university’s student body comprising of a number of clubs, societies, and associations to choose from. The VIUSU also organises a number of social events, cultural activities, volunteering and fundraising events, skill development seminars and workshops, and orientation week for newly arrived students. The VIUSU also offers its own app available for Apple and Android Devices. 

Some of the clubs and associations include VIU Biology Club, Community Peace Garden, Business Students Association, Campus Association for Bahai Studies, Club Ed, Criminology Student Association, Design Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Eco Club, Forestry Club, Law Club, Masters of Community Planning, Math Club, Media Studies Club, Muslim Student Association, Parks Canada Club, Political Debate Club, Psych Club, Rec + Tour Association, Satyr Players Club, Students Offering Support, Swim Club, University Christian Ministries, and Toastmasters on the Hill.

Vancouver Island University Location

900 Fifth St

Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

Canada

Vancouver Island University Different Campuses Locations

Vancouver Island University is a multicampus university serving the Vancouver Island and Coastal British Columbia areas of British Columbia, Canada. The university has its primary campus located in the city of Nanaimo in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The university also maintains a few regional centers in Powell River, Duncan, and Parksville-Qualicum Beach.

Top Landmarks, Companies, and Airports nearby Vancouver Island University

5 minutes drive to Nanaimo City Center 

10 minutes drive to Nanaimo Airport

Close to Restaurants and Shops on Wakesiah Avenue

Landmark -  Serauxman Stadium

International Students Info

Courses offered in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University offers a number of undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of subjects comprising of Bachelor Degrees, Master Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificate Programs. 

Undergraduate Programs 

  • Anthropology
  • Arts
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Economics
  • English
  • Geography
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Languages and Culture
  • Liberal Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Political Studies
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Women Studies
  • Digital Media Studies
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Jazz Studies
  • Technical Theatre
  • Theatre 
  • Visual Arts
  • Business Management
  • Culinary Arts and Management
  • Recreation and Sports Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Pastry Arts
  • Tourism Management
  • Wine Business
  • Education
  • Physical Education
  • TESOL
  • Child and Youth Care
  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Social Work
  • Community Support
  • Sciences and Technology
  • Forest Resources
  • Geosciences
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Natural Resource Protection

Graduate Programs 

  • Community Planning
  • Languages and Culture
  • Business Administration
  • Business
  • International Trade
  • Project Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Sustainable Leisure Management
  • Education Leadership
  • Education
  • Online Learning and Teaching
  • Special Education
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • Geographic Information Systems Applications

Student Support in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University offers a range of student support services to students to enable them to excel at the academics as well as assist them with challenges they might face at the university. The VIU Student Union also offers comprehensive support services to students via specialist student advisors. 

Some of the student support services on offer include Accessibility Services, Advising Center, Examination Services, Athletics and Recreation, Counselling Services, Financial Aid and Awards, International Student Services, Learning Technology, Math Learning Center, Positive Space, Success Coach, Technology Helpdesk, Writing Center, and Volunteer Tutor Program. 

Visas and Immigration Support in Vancouver Island University

The university’s International Student Services offer a range of international student support services including visas and immigration. Students can seek assistance with Study Permits, Study Permit Extensions and Renewals, Post Graduate Work Permits, and Traveling Information. 

International Student Contact in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University International Student Services offer a range of international support services including Visas and Immigration, Academic Support, Housing and Accommodation, Intercultural Communication Training and Resources, and Learning Center. Students can email [email protected] [email protected] for assistance.

Student Life in Vancouver Island University

Student Society in Vancouver Island University

There are over 30 student clubs at the university including VIU Biology Club, Community Peace Garden, Parks Canada Club, Political Debate Club, Psych Club, Rec + Tour Association, Satyr Players Club, Students Offering Support, Swim Club, University Christian Ministries, and Toastmasters on the Hill. These clubs and societies organise a range of cultural events, social activities, and entertainment events for students to participate in. 

Sports and Fitness in Vancouver Island University

The Sports and Fitness facilities at VIU include Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Hockey, Volleyball, Badminton, and Basketball in addition to multipurpose rooms, gyms and fitness centers, dance classes, table tennis, boxing bags, skipping ropes, balance boards, locker service, and cardio equipment. Students can also participate in a variety of intercollegiate sports events or join sports clubs to keep physically fit. 

Health and Wellbeing in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University Counselling Services offers dedicated health and wellbeing services to students. The university also offers an on-site Student Health Center and Athletics and Recreation facilities to ensure physical and mental wellbeing of the students. 

Some of the mental wellbeing support services include personal counselling, crisis response, wellness groups and workshops, anxiety and stress, depression, personal loss and bereavement, financial and money matters, and academic advising. 

Residential Life in Vancouver Island University

The university’s halls of residence accommodate over 500 students many of which are international students making the residential life diverse and multicultural. There are a number of social and cultural events organised by the student body on the premises in addition to movie nights, entertainment events, and meet and greet events. 

Food and Drink in Vancouver Island University

The university offers a range of food options on the campus serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and meal plan options. Students can choose from a wide variety of options which include hot and cold beverages, freshly baked goods, soups and salads, and healthy eating options. There are a number of restaurants and cafes located on Wakesiah Avenue, just 2 minutes walk from the campus. 

Short-term or Weekend Getaways in Vancouver Island University

The campus is located just 5 minutes drive to the Nanaimo City Center which is home to a range of clubs, bars, and entertainment venues. Students can also take a ferry from the city to Vancouver which is known for its vibrant culture and renowned tourist attractions. 

Part-time Jobs in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University’s Career VIU Portal lists the available off-campus part-time job opportunities available in the city. Students work in hospitality and catering, retail and supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, and warehouses or intern with local employers.

International Students in Canada can work 20 hours part-time during the term time as per student visa rules. However they are allowed to work full time during the holidays. Average hourly wages range between CAD 13 to CAD 18 depending upon the work

Student Safety in Vancouver Island University

Crime Around the area in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University offers 24 hours security on campus in addition to medical assistance through qualified and specialist staff at the Student Health Center. The security team can be reached by calling 6600 from any VIU Internal Telephone. For general enquiries, students should email [email protected] to connect with the team. 

The crime rate around the university campus and the housing is very low and in case of emergencies, students can dial 911 to avail Ambulance, Police, or Fire Assistance. The campus is equipped with Yellow Call Boxes to be used in cases of emergency. 

Famous Courses in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University offers a number of undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - AACSB International, Commission on Dental Accreditation Canada, Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, and Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board. Some of the most popular programs include, 

 

  • Masters in Business Administration MBA program accredited by AACSB International and ACBSP. 
  • Graduate programs in Education Leadership, Education, and Online Learning and Teaching. 
  • Undergraduate and Graduate programs in Business Management and Administration.

Campus Recruitment in Vancouver Island University

Process in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University Careers services offer a range of support services including VIU Learn, CVs and Cover Letter assistance, networking and careers events, and listings of available vacancies through dedicated career portal to assist students with securing full-time employment or internships. 

Famous companies who recruit directly from Vancouver Island University Campus include,

  • Island Health 
  • CIBC
  • RBC
  • TD
  • BC Public Service 
  • City of Nanaimo 
  • Shaw Communications
  • Western Forest Products 
  • Nordia Inc.
  • Scotiabank
  • University of Victoria
  • BMO Financial Group
  • Coastal Community
  • MNP

Application Requirements in Vancouver Island University

Bachelor in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University Undergraduate Admissions

Vancouver Island University offers undergraduate programs in Anthropology, Arts, Creative Writing, Criminology, Economics, English, Geography, Global Studies, History, Indigenous Studies, Languages and Culture, Liberal Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Women Studies, Digital Media Studies, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Jazz Studies, Technical Theatre, Visual Arts, Business Management, Culinary Arts and Management, Recreation and Sports Management, Hospitality Management, Pastry Arts, Tourism Management, Wine Business, Education, Physical Education, TESOL, Child and Youth Care, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Social Work, Community Support, Sciences and Technology, Forest Resources, Geosciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Natural Resource Protection. The applications can be submitted to the university with relevant supporting documents. 

Where to apply: University Website 

Admission Requirements: The below information is required while completing the university application:

  • High School Documents and Mark-sheets
  • English Language Proficiency - 6.5 in IELTS
  • Passport Copy 
  • CAD 150 Application Fee 

Master in Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University Graduate Admissions

Vancouver Island University offers graduate programs in Community Planning, Languages and Culture, Business Administration, Business, International Trade, Project Management, Hospitality Management, Sustainable Leisure Management, Education Leadership, Education, Online Learning and Teaching, Special Education, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Geographic Information Systems Applications. The applications can be submitted to the university with relevant supporting documents.

Where to apply: University Website 

Admission Requirements: The below information is required while completing the university application:

  • High School Documents and Mark-sheets
  • College or University Documents and Mark-sheets 
  • English Language Proficiency - 6.5 in IELTS 
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Recommendation Letters
  • Passport Copy
  • CAD 150 Application Fee 

When to apply for Vancouver Island University

Applications are accepted starting October for classes starting the following September for both Undergraduate and Graduate Programs.

Vancouver Island University Programs

Program
Duration
Format
Tuition Fees
Deadlines
Standard Test

Vancouver Island University Application Requirements

2.8
GPA
35
IB
75
Percentage

IELTS score requirements

A strong proficiency in the English language is essential for admission into universities in Canada. To be able to get a successful admission in Vancouver Island University in Canada students need to complete IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.

Click here to book a free diagnostic test with our expert trainers

Vancouver Island University Cost of studies

Fees

Bachelors: CAD$ 15,200
Masters: Fees may vary for each program

Fees may vary for each program. Please visitthe program page for specific fees.

Vancouver Island University Deadlines

Bachelors: March 31
Masters: Deadlines may vary for each program

Deadlines may vary for each program, please visit the program page for specific deadlines.

Vancouver Island University Rankings

Global

1001 -1200
QS
1001
GTU Rank
No data available. Coming soon!

Reach Out

900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9R 5S5,Canada

+1-250-753-3245