Vancouver Island University

PROFILE VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY

locationKanada

Established in 1936

Year of Establishment

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university in British Columbia, Canada, with its main campus in Nanaimo and additional regional campuses serving Vancouver Island and nearby coastal communities. It offers 100 plus programs across areas such as arts, business, education, health and human services, science and technology, and trades and applied technologies, with options that include certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and selected graduate programs. For international students, VIU provides international admissions guidance, English language learning options, and student support services, while tuition and fees vary by program type and credit load.

ACHIEVEMENTS

VIU describes its roots beginning in 1936 and its evolution through multiple institutional stages, culminating in becoming Vancouver Island University in 2008, reflecting long-term regional service and expansion of academic offerings. VIU also positions itself as serving Vancouver Island communities with programs that support workforce and community needs, including trades and university programs.

  1. Transitioned to Vancouver Island University status in 2008 after earlier phases as Malaspina College and Malaspina University-College
  2. Offers 100 plus programs across multiple fields of study
  3. Operates multiple campuses across the region, supporting access beyond the main Nanaimo campus

FACILITIES

VIU provides student-facing facilities that support academics, student life, recreation, and specialized learning spaces, with key facilities concentrated on the Nanaimo campus and additional learning facilities at regional campuses. The Nanaimo campus includes major academic and cultural spaces, while campus recreation facilities support fitness and athletics.

  1. Library, Nanaimo Campus
  2. Trades Discovery Centre, Nanaimo Campus
  3. Malaspina Theatre, Nanaimo Campus
  4. The View Gallery and Exhibition Centre, Nanaimo Campus
  5. VIU Gym, Nanaimo Campus
  6. Student Residences, Nanaimo Campus

LOCATION

Nanaimo Campus

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

Cowichan Campus

2011 University Way, North Cowichan, BC V9L 0C7, Canada

tiwšɛmawtxʷ Campus (Powell River)

100, 7085 Nootka Street, Powell River, BC, Canada

Parksville Qualicum Centre

100 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville, BC V9P 2G3, Canada

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: NA

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: NA

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: NA

Programmes

List of all diploma programmes

  1. Dental Hygiene Diploma
  2. Digital Design and Development Diploma
  3. Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma
  4. Engineering Transfer Diploma
  5. Fisheries and Aquaculture Diploma
  6. Forest Resources Technology Diploma
  7. Hospitality Management Diploma
  8. Interior Design Diploma
  9. Jazz Studies Diploma
  10. Liberal Arts Diploma
  11. Psychiatric Nursing Diploma
  12. Social Services Diploma
  13. Tourism Management Diploma
  14. Visual Art Diploma

List of undergraduate programmes

  1. Bachelor of Arts (Honours, Majors, and Minors)
  2. Bachelor of Science (Honours, Majors, Minors, and Transfer)
  3. Bachelor of Business Administration (Majors and Minors)
  4. Bachelor of Education

List of postgraduate programmes

  1. Master of Business Administration
  2. Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management
  3. Master of Education in Educational Leadership
  4. Master of Education in Special Education
  5. Master of Geographic Information System Applications

List of other programmes

  1. Certificate programmes
  2. Post-degree diploma programmes
  3. Trades and Applied Technology programs
  4. English as a Second Language programs

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

CAD 153.00

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

CAD 5,738.48 per semester

CAD 815.77 per credit

CAD 587.17 to CAD 854.08 per credit

Living Cost

Approximately CAD 965 to CAD 1,765 per month (including housing rent estimate, food, local transit, and basic personal spending)

ACCOMODATION

on-campus
VIU Student Housing

VIU Student Housing is located on the Nanaimo campus area and offers multiple residence buildings with different building styles. It is supported by a housing services hub that includes front desk services and amenities such as laundry

  1. Traditional or dorm buildings include Arbutus House and Alder House
  2. Townhouse buildings include Fir House, Pine House, Hemlock House, Yew House, and Spruce House
  3. Student housing is listed as 4 University Crescent, Nanaimo, BC (housing area location)
  4. Price range: NA
off-campus
Off-campus housing support

Off-campus housing is private rented accommodation arranged directly by students with local landlords. VIU states it does not communicate directly with landlords to find accommodation, but it provides support resources and local information to help students navigate housing.

  1. Private rentals with a legal agreement between the student and landlord
  2. VIU provides housing resources and guidance for the local market
  3. Price range: NA
off-campus
Homestay

Homestay places students with local families for cultural exchange and language learning opportunities. VIU describes homestay as a way for students to live in a supportive home environment while learning about local culture.

  1. Cultural exchange and language learning focus
  2. Hosted by local families welcoming students into their homes
  3. Price range: NA