Vancouver Island University campus
Vancouver Island University logo

Vancouver Island

University

Country :

Canada

Founded :

1936

Address :

900 Fifth St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

Vancouver Island University Overview

Vancouver Island University is a public university situated in the scenic beauty of the West Coast of British Columbia. Known for its student-centric approach, small class sizes, and commitment to providing accessible education to all students who want to study in Canada. The university provides a dynamic environment for students to learn, featuring various disciplines, such as business, education, humanities, sciences, and health sciences, to deliver a wide range of academic programs to award graduates with undergraduate & postgraduate degrees, diplomas, trades training, and English language courses.

Founded in 1936, Vancouver Island University started as a small-scale vocational training institute and gained full university status in 2008. Today, VIU houses more than 12,000 students, including a vibrant community of international students who realize their aim to study abroad. Emphasizing the practical experience, applied research, and collaboration with the community, it ensures that students gain real-world experience and skills by utilizing its industry connections, too. The university offers a safe and inclusive environment, with a rich cultural growth across its regional campuses in Nanaimo, namely Duncan and Powell River.

Top Courses at the Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University courses offer a wide array of career-oriented undergraduate and graduate academic programs across various disciplines. Some of the top fields of study include business administration, computer science, education, sustainable leisure management, and community planning.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
CAD 24,963

Bachelor of Science (Hons)


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
CAD 24,963

Bachelor of Education


Duration
60 Months
Fee / Year
CAD 24,963

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
CAD 24,963

Bachelor of Interior Design


Duration
48 Months
Fee / Year
CAD 24,963

Students studying together

Vancouver Island University Admission Process

Completing the Vancouver Island University admission process is straightforward for all international applicants. Prospective students must ensure that they meet the entry requirements of their chosen academic program and follow each step carefully to avoid any delays and failures.
Step 1
Counselling Session

Counselling Session

Attend a briefing session with our counsellor, who will discuss eligibility, qualifications, budget, and main objectives before proceeding with the application process.
Step 2
Document Organizer

Document Organizer

Our counsellor will explain to you how to prepare and organize the required documents in order to ensure a smooth transition from your side.
Step 3
Application Submission

Application Submission

Using the university's official website and admission portal, apply for your chosen academic program. Please fill out the required details, pay the application fee of $156, and attach the required documents.
Step 4
Admission Letter

Admission Letter

Once your application is reviewed and accepted by the university, it will send you a confirmation email for your shortlisted application. Formally accept the acknowledgement mail.
Step 5
Secure the LOA

Secure the LOA

Pay the required tuition fees as a deposit (depending on your chosen academic program) and receive an official Letter of Acceptance from the university.
Step 6
Visa and Travel

Visa and Travel

Using the LOA and other relevant documents, apply for a student visa at the nearest embassy or consulate. Pack your bags and reach the university on time for the orientation.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The Vancouver Island University ROI will set up a secure future for graduates to find relevant and high-paying employment opportunities in their respective fields. Students will benefit from the university's focus on practical learning, co-op placements, and the regional economic growth of British Columbia, Canada.

Field of WorkJob TitleAverage Salary - per year, approx.
Business & ManagementFinancial AnalystCAD 55,000 - CAD 85,000
Information TechnologySoftware DeveloperCAD 60,000 - CAD 92,000
EducationSecondary School TeacherCAD 52,000 - CAD 82,000
Healthcare & Human ServicesSocial WorkerCAD 50,000 - CAD 78,000
Environmental ScienceEnvironmental SpecialistCAD 54,000 - CAD 84,000
Hospitality & TourismTourism Operations ManagerCAD 48,000 - CAD 75,000
Urban & Community PlanningCommunity PlannerCAD 58,000 - CAD 88,000
Media & CommunicationsDigital Marketing CoordinatorCAD 45,000 - CAD 72,000
Graphic & Visual ArtsGraphic DesignerCAD 44,000 - CAD 68,000
AdministrationHuman Resources SpecialistCAD 50,000 - CAD 76,000

The represented figures are based on the graduate outcomes, industry standards, and prevailing market conditions. These are subject to change depending on the designation, location, level of experience, and the particular organization for which someone is working.

Scholarship at the Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University scholarships provide financial assistance to a majority of the students in financial need. The university offers a variety of scholarships, merit-based awards, and external sources of other scholarships.

Scholarships

  • Fukawa Excellence Scholarship
  • International Regional Entrance Scholarships
  • Premier’s International Scholarship Program
  • International Student Leadership Award
Scholarships
  • Fukawa Excellence Scholarship
  • International Regional Entrance Scholarships
  • Premier’s International Scholarship Program
  • International Student Leadership Award

Requirements

  • High academic achievement (Canadian 80%/B+ average)
  • English language proficiency to meet specific standards
  • Demonstrating leadership qualities and community service
  • Submission of the specific application before the deadline
Requirements
  • High academic achievement (Canadian 80%/B+ average)
  • English language proficiency to meet specific standards
  • Demonstrating leadership qualities and community service
  • Submission of the specific application before the deadline

Campus Locator

The main campus of Vancouver Island University is located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Other regional campuses include Duncan (Cowichan) and Powell River (tiwšɛmawtxʷ). Here is a live map feature to find the exact location of the university’s main campus:

Frequently asked Questions

Vancouver Island University tuition fees are calculated based on the credits allocated to a program. For most undergraduate programs, the annual tuition fee for international students is approximately CAD 24,963 (based on $832.09 per credit). Annual tuition for international students is CAD 16,000-CAD 30,000 to enroll in graduate programs.

Yes, VIU offers various scholarships to international students having academic qualifications and/or extracurricular experience (like leadership positions), including the Fukawa Excellence Scholarship, Premier’s International Scholarship Program, and International Student Leadership Award.

All international applicants must pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of CAD 10,000 to secure their spot in the program and obtain an official Letter of Acceptance (used for the visa).

Vancouver Island University offers a broad range of academic programs to international students, including undergraduate degree programs in business (BBA), computer science, and education, as well as graduate programs in business (MBA) and diploma programs in natural resource management and hospitality.

The application fee for international students applying to Vancouver Island University is CAD $156.06 (non-refundable).

Vancouver Island University is a highly regarded public university in Canada, known for its small class sizes, graduate satisfaction, student-centric approach, industry-associated co-op placement programs, and offering academic programs that are representative of its values. The university is ranked 1201-1400 in the QS World University Rankings.

Vancouver Island University acceptance rate is approximately 57-75%, making the admissions moderately competitive yet accessible for students.

Vancouver Island University hosts approximately 12,000-14,000 students across its three campuses, including around 1,100-1,500 international students from over 80 countries.

Vancouver Island University is ranked among the top 60 universities in Canada. According to EduRank and Webometrics Ranking, the university is ranked 58th and 57th in Canada, respectively. The QS ranking of VIC is in the 1201-1400 range for “World University Rankings," while it is ranked 1501+ in the “QS Sustainability Rankings."

Vancouver Island University was originally established as the Dominion-Provincial Youth Training Centre in 1936, later becoming Malaspina College in 1969, and then changing its name to Malaspina University-College in 1988 before gaining the official name due to full university status in September 2008.

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