VIU is a public liberal arts university accredited by AUCC, CBIE, CUP, and WUSC.

VIU has campuses in Nanaimo, Powell River, Duncan, and Parksville-Qualicum Beach, British Columbia.

You can apply online or in person by creating an account on the VIU application portal, completing the application form, submitting required documents, and paying the application fee.

After you submit your application, you'll wait for a decision from VIU Admissions. If accepted, you’ll receive instructions on how to accept your offer and pay your tuition deposit.

Required documents include: Official transcripts (high school and any colleges/universities attended) Proof of English language proficiency (for international students) Passport photo page (for international students) High school diploma (for international students) University degree (for international students, if applicable) Some programs may also require a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest.

The VIU Safety app is available on Google Play and provides real-time emergency notifications, instructions, and access to emergency resources and procedures. It also includes features for incident reporting, requesting a Safe Walk, and accessing campus maps.

VIU offers a Safe Walk service where students can request assistance from VIU security. Additionally, the Friend Walk feature allows students to share their location with a friend for added security while walking home.

Students can report injuries, safety concerns, or other incidents through the VIU Safety app. They can also contact VIU’s emergency contacts for assistance with both emergency and non-emergency situations.

VIU offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate degrees in fields such as Arts, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Human Services, and Science. It also provides graduate and post-degree programs, diploma programs, and specialized courses in areas like Trades, Tourism, and Professional Development.

Yes, students enrolling in graduate and post-degree programs at VIU may be eligible to receive transfer credit for up to 50% of their program, depending on their previous academic coursework.

Yes, VIU provides a range of non-degree programs, including Academic and Career Preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Online Courses, Indigenous programs, and Professional Development and Training.

VIU offers various scholarships, including the Narotam Sekhsaria PG Scholarship, the Education Future International Scholarship, the RMLA Scholarship, and several others such as the K.C. Mahindra Scholarships and the Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship program.

Most scholarships for VIU, including the Narotam Sekhsaria PG Scholarship, the RMLA Scholarship, and the Donald and Barbara Mozley Scholarship, are available for the 2025 academic year, with specific eligibility criteria for each.

Yes, international students may be eligible for scholarships like the Education Future International Scholarship, the Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students (HEST), and the Jeff Schell Fellowships, among others.

Students at VIU can participate in various campus activities, including joining clubs, attending theater productions and lecture series, and taking part in cultural events. The VIU Students' Union (VIUSU) also organizes social events like BBQs, movie nights, and welcome festivities.

VIU offers a range of athletic opportunities, including cheering for the VIU Mariners varsity teams, participating in intramural sports leagues, and engaging in outdoor recreation activities such as surfing, kayaking, and white-water rafting.

Yes, students at VIU can get involved in community programs, cultural events, and recreational activities that allow them to connect with both the university and the broader Vancouver Island community.

VIU offers on-campus housing with single and double rooms in traditional dorm-style buildings, as well as townhouse-style accommodations with shared kitchens and common areas. Students can also explore off-campus housing options in the local area.

All residence buildings are located on VIU’s Nanaimo campus, offering students convenient access to their classes, campus facilities, and student services.

On-campus housing at VIU includes a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, shared common areas, and kitchen access. Additionally, the Residence Life program provides support for students living in residence halls.

Yes, international students who graduate from VIU can apply for a PGWP, provided they meet eligibility requirements such as having a valid study permit and completing a program at a designated learning institution (DLI).

The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of the study program. Graduates of programs lasting less than two years may receive a permit equal to their study duration, while those who complete programs of two years or more may be eligible for a three-year permit.

International students have up to 180 days after graduation to apply for a PGWP. They can apply from within or outside Canada, but applications cannot be submitted at a port of entry when entering the country.