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
Vancouver Island University Overview
Vancouver Island University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 24.4% Canada
Top 23% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
1201
By TopUniversities
Dropped 200 places compared to 2024
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | 1001 | 1201 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Vancouver Island University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Canada Country
Vancouver City
#2 Branch Campus
Canada Country
Nanaimo City
#3 Branch Campus
Canada Country
Duncan City
#4 Branch Campus
Canada Country
Parksville City
Vancouver Island University Student Reviews & Awards
3.6
Based on 18 reviews
- 5 Star 4 Reviews
- 4 Star 8 Reviews
- 3 Star 3 Reviews
- 2 Star 1 Review
- 1 Star 2 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Diversity 4.1
Well structured course
VIU is a beautiful school. The faculty members work hard to support the student's needs and there seem to always be extracurricular activities going on. I highly suggest attending study groups and getting to know your profs. The smaller class sizes compared to other universities really provide the opportunity to get to know your prof and extra support from them when needed.
Global Learning Chance
Great place, highly recommended for a diversity of learning experiences. Good location and course offerings.
Pros and Cons
Small university - it's more like a college experience. There are pros and cons. You can get to know profs but the social scene and amenities are limited compared to bigger school. Good for people who do better in smaller crowds and are anxious. The campus view is beautiful overlooking the ocean and mountains.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?