Vancouver Island University
University Description:
Founded in 1936, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university with more than 120 study programs in various fields. Small class sizes of 34 students maximum provide the ideal learning environment and a dynamic dialogue between students and professors.
The main VIU campus is located in the harbor city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, attracting students with the warmest weather in Canada. This spectacular location allows for various outdoor activities and sports all year round due to the close proximity to the mountains, the forest and the ocean. Big city life in Vancouver is only a ferry ride away and the tourist attraction Victoria is reachable within a short car or bus ride.
Term system & start dates:
Bachelor: Semester
- 1. Term Aug to Dec
- 2. Term Jan to Apr
Master: Semester
- 1. Term Aug to Dec
- 2. Term Jan to Apr
Download documents:
Bachelor: Semester
- 1. Term Aug to Dec
- 2. Term Jan to Apr
Master: Semester
- 1. Term Aug to Dec
- 2. Term Jan to Apr
University Facts
University Description
Founded in 1936, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university with more than 120 study programs in various fields. Small class sizes of 34 students maximum provide the ideal learning environment and a dynamic dialogue between students and professors.The main VIU campus is located in the harbor city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, attracting students with the warmest weather in Canada. This spectacular location allows for various outdoor activities and sports all year round due to the close proximity to the mountains, the forest and the ocean. Big city life in Vancouver is only a ferry ride away and the tourist attraction Victoria is reachable within a short car or bus ride.
Termsystem:
Semester (Bachelor)Bachelor Terms Start/End:
- 1. Term Aug to Dec
- 2. Term Jan to Apr
Termsystem:
Semester (Master)Master Terms Start/End:
- 1. Term Aug to Dec
- 2. Term Jan to Apr
Visa Information:
Many European students who study in Canada for less than six months do not require a Study Permit. However, a Study Permit is required for those who are pursuing a program of study that is longer than 180 days or six months. Students can apply for a Study Permit in most cases even online. Students might be required to give biometrics. Please note that visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Detailed information is available on the Canadian Embassy’s website.Why should you come and study with us?
Founded in 1936, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university with more than 120 study programs in various fields. Small class sizes of 34 students maximum provide the ideal learning environment and a dynamic dialogue between students and professors. The main VIU campus is located in the harbor city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. This spectacular location allows for various outdoor activities and sports all year round due to the close proximity to the mountains, the forest and the ocean. Big city life in Vancouver is only a ferry ride away and the tourist attraction Victoria is reachable within a short car or bus ride.Study opportunities:
For a study abroad period at VIU, students may choose subjects from most bachelor programs in the following study fields:● Business & Management
● Arts & Design
● Humanities & Social Sciences
● Health & Human Services
● Science & Technology
● Tourism & Hospitality
Students may choose up to five subjects for their study abroad semester.
Master study abroad students may choose classes from Vancouver Island University's Master of Business Administration (MBA), which is open to business but also non-business students and/or the Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management (MASLM).
Students planning to attend VIU for a full degree (4 years at Bachelor level, around 2 years at Master level) can enroll into one of VIU's many programs open to international students in the fields mentioned above.
Scholarship possibilities for international students:
Applicants can apply for VIU scholarships. Further stipends may be offered by your government, home institution or other organizations in your home country.Application Deadline:
March 31st for most programs. Late applications can often be accepted.Application requirements:
- Application form- Language certificate (only valid for 2 years) - students from German partner institutions are exempt
- Transcript in English
- Master students: Bachelor's certificate in English including all courses taken
- Copy of passport picture page
Orientation:
Usually one day about a week before the beginning of the semester, mandatory for all international students.Examperiod:
Last two weeks of the semester as well as quizzes/assignments throughout the semesterAccessibility:
yesWorking while studying:
20h /week with study permit
Fees
Bachelor Semester Abroad:
6,289 CAD to 10,871 CAD
Master Semester Abroad:
6,804 CAD to 12,560 CAD
Full Bachelor:
86,968 CAD
Full Master:
26,850 CAD to 52,028 CAD
Graduate Certificate:
22,350 CAD
Gap Year (per Term):
6,988 CAD to 10,871 CAD
Application Fee:
0 CAD to 150 CAD
Additional Costs:
Fees for student union, ancillary fees and mandatory health insurance amount to about 778 - 943 CAD/semester for Bachelor students; 738-1,021 CAD/semester for graduate students. Fees for housing, food and activities are not included.
Fees are subject to approval and may change without prior notice.
Valid: 2023-01-03 to 2024-05-31
City & Living
City features:
The city has something that appeals to all of its residents. This includes a variety of annual marine festivals, sports clubs, museums, and a thriving music scene.Address in Nanaimo, Canada:
Vancouver Island University900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, Canada
Population:
100,000Closest Airport:
Nanaimo (YCD)Sightseeing:
Vancouver downtown, Whistler, Victoria, TofinoShopping:
Nanaimo, Vancouver, VictoriaHow to get to university:
walk/bike/busHousing On-Campus:
550-987,50 CAD - VIU Residences are located on the VIU Nanaimo campus, close to classes, cafeterias and recreational facilities. Living in VIU Student Residences is about more than the convenient location, it is about building lasting relationships with other students from around the world. The residences offer a mix of accommodation choices from single private rooms with semi-private bathroom to shared double rooms. Kitchen facilities are available in the Student Residences; meals can also be purchased in two campus cafeterias, open weekdays during school hours.Housing Off-Campus:
750-1050 CAD HomestayVIU Homestay is an opportunity to live with and be part of a Canadian family. Students have the option of living with a host family and preparing their own meals (room stay) or have meals included (full board), in which case the host family provides food for three meals a day.
Host families offer a supportive environment to learn and practice your English language skills and transition into the local culture. A homestay student is treated like a member of the family and expected to help around the home as other family members do. Homestay is an invaluable experience where one can learn about Canadian customs and culture, and make life-long friends.
The fees listed here do not include transport (bus pass).
Independent Living
The housing market in Nanaimo can be a bit of a challenge to navigate. It may take some time searching for the perfect new home. There are many different types of apartments, room and board options, and shared housing opportunities in Nanaimo. It is possible to rent an apartment before arrival by searching and communicating online, through sites like Places4Student, Craigslist, Used Nanaimo and Kijiji. However, we encourage you to use caution before entering into agreements or making deposits.
Exploratory studies at VIU
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!
Canadian borders opening further
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!
Apply now for scholarships for your study abroad time in Australia, Canada or the United States
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.
Winners Photo Competition 2019
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!
VIU - summer in Canada
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!
Virtual campus visit of VIU
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 🙂
Living on campus at Vancouver Island University
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.
Cultural Kitchen at VIU
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
Diverse learning environment in multicultural Canada
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!
Staying strong and keeping connected during COVID-19
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
Most Popular News:
The best time of your life - Gap Year at UNCW!
You have finished high school and don't know exactly what you want to study? The UNCW offers you a wide range of courses from over 120 fields of study - ideal for orientation after school without having to decide directly on a specific course of study. After successfully completing your gap year, you will receive your official transcript and can ideally transfer the credits you earned during your gap year to your future university in Europe - or you can decide to continue your studies in the U.S. and directly enter the second bachelor year at UNCW. So what are you waiting for? Get a taste of university life in the USA and take one step closer to your dream course of study!
Start your semester abroad in Seattle
Are you looking for the perfect spot for your study abroad semester? City University of Seattle is offering you great programs on a quarterly basis! For those of you seeking to combine studying with international experiences and company visits (e.g. Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Expedia.com) we suggest to apply for our summer programs. You can join one of our two sessions and add a quarter in order to receive more than 30 ECTS in just 4,5 months! Reach out to World of Students for further information or join one of our virtual presentations.
Arriving in Canada
Before classes start, make sure to explore the vibrant city of Vancouver! Apart from the well-known tourist spots, try some of the delicious food, enjoy a bike tour through Stanley Park or watch a Majour League Soccer game of the Vancouver Whitecaps before taking the ferry or plane over to Vancouver Island to start your classes at VIU.
Fairfax Lookout in Manly
Our students love the Fairfax Lookout on the North Head!
Only a couple of minutes from the ICMS campus in Manly you can watch stunning sunsets over Sydney. At the Fairfex lookout students spend a great time together with their international friends, eating pizza and listening to music while watching the Sydney harbour. You may even see one of the whales passing by the coast.
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Erfahrungsbericht Griffith College Dublin - by Jessi L.
Ein Semester im Ausland bietet sowohl persönlich, als auch beruflich viele neue Perspektiven und Erfahrungen. Zum einen wollte ich meine Fähigkeiten im Gebrauch der englischen Sprache verbessern und meinen Wortschatz erweitern. Aber es war mir auch wichtig mich einer solchen Herausforderung zu stellen, um selbstständiger und spontaner zu werden. Ein „normales Studentenleben“ einmal zu erleben ist gerade für einen DH Studenten sicher erstrebenswert. Da an der DH die Zeiten und Kurse sehr streng gelegt sind, bietet ein Studium im Ausland die Möglichkeit auch einmal die etwas flexiblere und eigenständigere Art des Studierens an einer „normalen“ Universität zu erfahren. Ich habe mich für das Griffith College in Dublin entschieden und diese Entscheidung auch nicht bereut. Vorbereitung des Aufenthalts Die vorläufige Anmeldung des Auslandsemesters erfolgt im Mai des Jahres vor dem geplanten Semester im Ausland. Bis zur endgültigen Anmeldung bleibt jedoch Zeit bis Herbst. Am besten informiert man sich im Voraus auf der Website des Auslandamts der DHBW und schaut sich die Website des Griffith Colleges einmal an. Zudem hatte ich einen Termin mit einer Mitarbeiterin des Auslandsamts, welche mir sehr dabei geholfen hat die richtige Uni im Ausland zu finden. Außerdem hat sie mir viele wichtige Informationen bezüglich des Anmeldeverfahrens und benötigter Dokumente gegeben. Bei Fragen während des Bewerbungsprozesses konnte ich mich auch immer an Florian Burkhardt wenden. Er ist der „German Office Manager“ des Griffith College in Deutschland und kümmert sich gerne und schnell um die Anliegen der zukünftigen Studenten. 2 Eines der benötigten Dokumente zur Vorbereitung ist das Learning Agreement. Dieses wird zwischen dir und der DH abgeschlossen. Hierbei geht es darum im Voraus zu schauen welche der Kurse, die man in Deutschland verpasst, man mit welchen Kursen am Griffith College abdecken kann. Das Learning Agreement hilft also vor Ort bei der Kurswahl und ist eine Sicherheit, dass die Kurse im Ausland auch an der DH angerechnet werden. Im Bereich BWL- DLM ist Herr Prof. Dr. Augenstein für das Agreement verantwortlich und hilft gerne bei Fragen. Eine Liste mit den in Dublin angebotenen Kursen kommt allerdings erst nach der endgültigen Anmeldung am Griffith College. Allerdings ist es gerade für den Studiengang BWL- DLM immer recht einfach alle Kurse abzudecken und oftmals bleibt sogar noch eine Wahlmöglichkeit. Ebenfalls zur Vorbereitung des Semesters in Irland gehört auch die Wohnungssuche. Hier gibt es generell zwei Möglichkeiten: ein Zimmer im Studentenwohnheim auf dem Campus oder eine private Bleibe. Insgesamt muss man mit recht hohen Mieten im Vergleich zu Deutschland rechnen. Ich habe mich für eine private Bleibe in Dublin entschieden. Hierbei war mir besonders die Website www.daft.ie behilflich. Hierzu gibt es aber auch viele Tipps auf der Website des Colleges. Wenn man diesen Weg wählt ist es wichtig noch keine Verträge von Deutschland aus zu unterschreiben oder gar Zahlungen im Voraus zu leisten. Da Dublin sehr international ist, suchen viele Leute aus dem Ausland Wohnungen, was leider auch Missbrauch und Betrug mit sich bringt. In Irland ist es allerdings so, dass man, schnell Wohnungen und Zimmer anschauen kann und, wenn man eine Zusage hat, innerhalb von 24h auch dort einziehen kann. Viele Iren und Irinnen die alleine in Häusern oder großen Wohnungen leben vermieten dort ein Zimmer unter und man lebt sozusagen in einer WG. So habe ich auch bei einer netten älteren irischen Dame gewohnt, mit der ich mich sehr gut verstanden habe und die mir auch einmal ausgeholfen hat, wenn ich Tipps oder gar ein Auto brauchte.
Mein Auslandsjahr am Griffith College in Dublin, Irland - by Jonas R.
Irland bietet viele tolle Landschaften und eine Menge an Aktivitäten in und um Dublin. Die Stadt kann man meiner Meinung nach am besten zu Fuß erkunden. Besonders sehenswert in Dublin und ganz Irland fand ich die Grafton Street Area, den Phoenix Park, die Cliffs of Moher, den Wild Atlantic Way, den Giants Causeway und den Ring of Kerry. Etwas kleinere Ausflüge von Dublin aus können z. B. nach Howth oder Dun Laoghaire unternommen werden. Außerdem gibt es einen sehr schönen Cliffwalk zwischen Brey und Greystones. Oder man macht einen Ausflug zum Strand der Dublin Bay bei Sandymount. Von dort aus kann man auch zum Poolbeg Leuchtturm spazieren. Griffith College Das College liegt im Süden von Dublin, ungefähr 20 bis 25 Minuten zu Fuß vom Stadtkern entfernt. Eine Bushaltestelle befindet sich in direkter Nähe zum College. Ich persönlich rate allen Studierenden, die Einführungsveranstaltungen zu Beginn des Semesters zu besuchen. Hier werden wichtige Informationen zum Studienalltag, zum College selbst und zum Leben in Dublin weitergegeben. Das International Office klärt die Incoming Students zudem über die Beantragung der sogenannten PPS Number auf. Diese muss beantragt werden, wenn man einen Abschluss von einem College in Irland erhalten möchte (IB). Man braucht diese allerdings auch, wenn man sich vor Ort einen Nebenjob suchen möchte. Über die beiden Semester belegt man insgesamt drei Hauptfächer, das semesterübergreifende Modul „Business Plan“, sowie zwei Wahlfächer pro Semester. In den ersten beiden Wochen je Semester hat man die Möglichkeit, alle Vorlesungen der Wahlfächer zu besuchen. Spätestens nach diesen beiden Wochen muss man sich dann für zwei Module entscheiden. Was hierbei sehr schade war: es werden leider nicht alle Kurse angeboten, die anfangs bei der Bewerbung im Modulhandbuch zur Auswahl standen. In meinem zweiten Semester z. B. waren viele Studierende mit dem Fächerangebot unzufrieden. Auf Anfrage und Bitte wurde aber ein Kurs dann doch noch angeboten und eine Dozentin dafür organisiert. Bei solchen Angelegenheiten ist das College sehr verständnisvoll und bemüht. Die Studienweise in Irland ist anders im Vergleich zu Deutschland. Angefangen bei wöchentlich längeren Vorlesungszeiten (vier Stunden für Hauptfächer, drei Stunden für Wahlfächer und eine Stunde Tutorium in jedem Fach) über einen höheren Aufwand unter dem Semester (Assignments in jedem Fach) bis hin zu dreistündigen Prüfungen (essay style) am Semesterende. Die Hausarbeiten stellten zu Beginn eine große Herausforderung dar, da wir solche nie zuvor an der Hochschule Landshut schreiben mussten. Hierbei ist ein gutes Zeitmanagement wichtig. Mit der Zeit lernt man aber, worauf es ankommt und wie man die Recherchen besser angeht. Die Prüfungen sind meiner Meinung nach gut machbar, wenn man die Vorlesungen und Tutorien regelmäßig besucht. Man weiß dann, worauf es den Dozenten ankommt. Skripte werden gebunden ausgeteilt und den Vorlesungsstoff findet man zudem auf der Online-Plattform Moodle. Die meisten Professoren haben den Stoff in der letzten Vorlesung noch eingegrenzt. In der Prüfung werden sechs offene Fragen gestellt, von denen man vier in drei Stunden beantworten muss. Die Antwort wird in Form von Aufsätzen verlangt. In den meisten Fächern setzt sich die Endnote aus 60% Prüfungsnote und 40% Assignmentnote zusammen. Alternativ gibt es noch die Gewichtungen 80%/20% und 50%/50%. In einigen Fächern wird zusätzlich eine Präsentation der Hausarbeit verlangt. Der Business Plan kann an der Hochschule Landshut als Bachelorarbeit angerechnet werden. Hierbei setzt man eine Geschäftsidee um und gründet ein fiktives Start-up Unternehmen. Diese Aufgabe erschien am Anfang aussichtslos und sehr aufwändig. Dass es viel Aufwand ist kann ich bestätigen, aber wenn man seine Zeit gut plant und kontinuierlich daran arbeitet kommt man gut damit klar. Als erstes reicht man einen Vorschlag zur Geschäftsidee ein. Daraufhin werden den Studierenden sogenannte Supervisor zugeteilt. Da diese aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen kommen, hatten sie auch jeweils andere Anforderungen und Erwartungen, was schließlich auch manchmal zu gefühlt unfairen Bewertungen führte. Mein Supervisor war sehr kompetent und hilfsbereit – andere Studierende hatten nicht so viel Glück und wurden weniger unterstützt. Ich persönlich fand es besonders hilfreich, dass man in mehreren Etappen einzelne Entwürfe einreicht, die dann korrigiert werden. So hat man mehrere Deadlines einzuhalten und der Aufwand wird über das Jahr hinweg verteilt. Durch das Feedback kann man die Entwürfe verbessern und weiter ausbauen und dann im Enddokument verwenden. Jedes Semester gibt es die sogenannte Readingweek welche zum Schreiben von Assignments genutzt werden kann. In dieser Woche finden keine Vorlesungen oder Tutorien statt. Falls man diese extra Zeit nicht benötigt um Hausarbeiten zu schreiben, kann man sie gut für Besuche oder Reisen nutzen.
Strapazen, Schloss und Strand: Erste Eindrücke Auslandssemester - by Jessi L.
Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term? Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term?
Strapazen, Schloss und Strand: Erste Eindrücke Auslandssemester - by Jessi L.
Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term? Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term?
Strapazen, Schloss und Strand: Erste Eindrücke Auslandssemester - by Jessi L.
Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term? Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term?
Schloss, Strapazen und Strand: Erste Eindrücke Auslandssemester - by Jessi L.
Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term? Full content of: Improvement suggestions/Feedback, What did you enjoy most?, How were your classes?, Were you satisfied with the organization of your study abroad term?