Would you like to go abroad and gain your first university experience after graduating from high school, but don't want to commit to a specific course of study? At Vancouver Island University (VIU), you can get a taste of university life through the Exploratory Studies Program and take courses from various departments - and best of all, you'll meet new friends from around the world, be surrounded by breathtaking scenery on Canada's beautiful west coast and create lifelong memories!

Canada is opening it's border to fully vaccinated travalers in September - meaning you will be able to study at VIU for one semester with just an eTA! No idea what that is or how to apply for it? Get in touch with us, we're there to help!

You are about to start your study abroad adventure in 2020 and would be more than happy to receive some financial aid? Simply apply for one of our many scholarships for your semester abroad in Australia, Canada or the United States! Every year we are happy to award several scholarships to our international students. 

The Winners 2019 are in! Do you want to be one of them next time? Check our Website for all details and send us your best photos from your time abroad in Australia, Canada or the United States! Good luck!

This is what a Canadian summer looks like! Our scholarship winner Maurice had a great time at Vancouver Island University - come and see for yourself!

You had to defer your studies to January or September 2021 and don't want to wait until then to see our beautiful campus? Check out this video of our Nanimo campus, giving you a great first impression of what it's like to study at VIU. One of the best features of our main campus in Nanaimo is definitely the breathtaking view of our library - learn what it's like to actually enjoy going to the library! Depending on your study program, a bit of a workout is also included - fishery for example is at the top of the hill, so quite a few steps to climb, making sure you look great in your travel pictures 🙂

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in residence at university? Our student host Sydney has lived in the VIU residences since she was a first year student and was thrilled to get the chance to show off her home away from home in this video. Our facilities house over 500 students on VIU’s Nanaimo campus each year. Residents come to our community from across Canada and the world, each bringing different life experiences and perspectives to VIU. This is what makes living in a residence community so interesting and dynamic. The VIU Residence Life Program is supported by a 24 hour front desk staff, two professional staff members and fifteen Community Leaders. Your Community Leader will probably be the first person you meet on campus. These dedicated upper year student leaders plan programming and build community in every area of the residence. These programs are in support of "ResLife" and creating a positive community space on residence.

Check out our new Cultural Kitchen in French! Makes you want to fly right over and try some of the delicious food being cooked in this show, produced by our very own students here at Vancouver Island University. Over the last few weeks, our students and faculty have shown us some great recipes from around the world - mouthwatering! It gives you an idead of what it's like to live on campus, with students from all over the world, who bring different recipes, cooking styles and are happy to exchange recipes and ideas. Connect with us on Facebook to stay tuned #worldviu

Did you know that we have students from over 93 countries!? Vancouver Island University is a student-centred community where excellence in learning is the primary goal. We welcome and value the contributions of students from around the world who create the rich cultural tapestry on our campuses. Our faculty and students gain valuable international experience through engagement in innovative projects and partnerships worldwide. Cultural Connections Road Trips, Culture Couch (a student-led weekly event), Peer Helpers (international student volunteers), WorldVIU Days, Global Groove (a FREE monthly concert series at a local pub) - and so much more to discover during your stay at VIU! Be part of a diverse learning environment. We are still accepting applications for 2021 Spring. Apply now!

A lot has happened in the world over the past four months. We’ve gone from face-to-face classrooms to virtual classrooms; we’ve had our social circles tightened as everyone works to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19; and many of us have experienced reduced work hours and financial strains. Many have started cooking, baking, sweing have spotless homes - or very untidy ones! Eating without stopping, several workouts a day, yoga and meditation - there are many ways to cope with the new situation. Our AVP of Student Affairs, Irlanda Price, shares some thoughts on staying strong and keeping connected during this time on the #VIUBlog: https://www.viu.ca/blog/staying-strong-and-keeping-connected-during-covid-19