At Vancouver Island University, you matter, and you will find support every step of the way. Class sizes are small, so dedicated, talented faculty get to know you by name and provide attention and any help you need.
- #1001 Ranking
- 14 Masters
- 1,306 Academic Staff
- 11,963 Students
- 1,456 Students (int'l)
- 7,032 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Top reasons to study here
- VIU offers a broad network of student supports to make sure you’re set up for success even if things get tough.
- You’ll have access to many student services that are designed to help you reach your full academic and personal potential.
- VIU offers academic advising, counselling services, a writing centre, career service, peer support and more.
Master's Programmes
Business & Management (7)
- Postgraduate Certificate Business
- M.Ed. Educational Leadership
- Master Hospitality Management
- Postgraduate Diploma International Trade
- Postgraduate Diploma Project Management
Education & Training (3)
- M.Ed. Educational Leadership
- Postgraduate Diploma Online Learning and Teaching
- M.Ed. Special Education
Social Sciences (3)
- Master Community Planning
- Postgraduate Diploma International Trade
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (2)
- Master Community Planning
- Post-Degree Diploma Natural Resource Law Enforcement
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (2)
- Master Hospitality Management
Agriculture & Forestry (1)
- Post-Degree Diploma Fisheries and Aquaculture
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- Post-Degree Diploma Fisheries and Aquaculture
Computer Science & IT (1)
Humanities (1)
- Post-Degree Diploma Languages and Culture (Romance Languages)
Law (1)
- Post-Degree Diploma Natural Resource Law Enforcement
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (1)
- Post-Degree Diploma Natural Resource Law Enforcement
About
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.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2023
1001
2022
-
2021
-
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.
Services
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
Student Life
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
Student Reviews
KdG review
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
A very warm and pleasant school. The school follows you well and will make you feel at home right away
Marvelous experience
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Definitely one of the best times of my life with wonderful outdoor adventures and friend despite Covid, just a little bit expensive, but study fees without Quarantine are ok for the quality of the courses.
MBA course review (Online classes_COVID)
Anonymous rated 3 out of 5 stars
If you want to pursue your career in Finance post your MBA then VIU is surely the place to be, Finance-Economics-Accounting are the core subjects of this MBA program. However, there's a drawback to this structure as other Business subjects like Management, Operations, Marketing, Strategy, HR and Legal are downplayed, which poses a risk for students who wish to pursue...
Other programmes from this organisation
Improve page content
