History
Vancouver Island University's roots go back to 1936 when local garage owner and mechanic Jack Macready welcomed eight boys to train as automotive mechanics in a shed-turned-classroom.
Education
At VIU, we work hard to create a learning environment that empowers you to get the most out of your education. Our goal is to set you up for success.
Career
Find a path to a future career or further studies. Learn and practice skills that will last a lifetime and transfer to a career. Develop your passion and interests into great future opportunities. Even if where you’re going isn’t 100% clear right now, it’s still worth it.
Housing services
The VIU Student Residence Portal capacity is 120 students at a time, if you are unable to login at this time please try again in a couple minutes
Library services
Situated on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Library supports learning, teaching and research needs at the University’s three campuses and beyond. The Library is known as a leader for consistently identifying, leveraging, and advancing strategic local, regional, national, and international collaborations.
Medical services
- Medical Arts Centre
- Caledonian Clinic
- Wallace Street Medical Clinic
Campus life
- Nanaimo Campus
Located on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, VIU’s main campus in Nanaimo hosts an ocean-view campus, spanning 92 scenic acres, including lush stands of forest and Japanese gardens.
- Cowichan Campus
It offers a broad range of programs and student services in a beautiful and modern LEED Gold Certified facility and a few minutes’ drive away, at the Cowichan Trades Centre.
- Powell River Campus
Study in this beautiful coastal town and find a friendly, supportive community at VIU’s Powell River Campus.
- Parksville-Qualicum Centre
Located in the Parksville Civic & Technology Centre on the traditional territory of the Snaw-naw-as First Nation.
Sports facilities
VIU Outdoor Recreation offers exceptional experiences for students in a wide range of outdoor-based adventure activities. We offer guided experiences that include equipment, transportation, accommodation, leadership, and instruction.
Student clubs
Clubs are voluntary organizations formed by members of the University community and are a traditional part of campus life, contributing in a significant way to its intellectual, political, social and cultural diversity.
From program-focused clubs to language and cultural clubs - there are many student clubs on campus. Check out the clubs and activities presented by the VIUSU (Vancouver Island University’s Student Union).
Accreditation
- Colleges and Institutes Canada
- Universities Canada
- British Columbia Centre for International Education (BCCIE)
- British Columbia Education Quality Assurance
- Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
- EduCanada
- Languages Canada