Vancouver Island University
12,000
Number of Students
2,000
International Students
120
Number of Programs
University Description:
At VIU you have the perfect mix of studying and leisure time. You will study at a modern university located on the town's border in the small harbor city of Nanaimo. In just a few minutes, you can reach green forests and be surrounded by Canada's beautiful nature. Outdoor enthusiasts will get their full satisfaction here. Breathtaking views from mountain tops, whale watching from zodiacs, kayaking, mountain biking or even snowboarding or skiing on Mount Washington. There really is something for everyone here. And on top of all that, the friendly Canadians will give you a welcome and help and advice.
Term system & start dates:
Bachelor / Master: Semester
2. Term: January 6, 2025 to April 25, 2025
1. Term: August, 2025 to December, 2025
More dates
Download documents:
Bachelor / Master: Semester
2. Term: January 6, 2025 to April 25, 2025
1. Term: August, 2025 to December, 2025
More dates
University Facts
University Description
At VIU you have the perfect mix of studying and leisure time. You will study at a modern university located on the town's border in the small harbor city of Nanaimo. In just a few minutes, you can reach green forests and be surrounded by Canada's beautiful nature. Outdoor enthusiasts will get their full satisfaction here. Breathtaking views from mountain tops, whale watching from zodiacs, kayaking, mountain biking or even snowboarding or skiing on Mount Washington. There really is something for everyone here. And on top of all that, the friendly Canadians will give you a welcome and help and advice.Bachelor / Master: Semester
2. Term: January 6, 2025 to April 25, 2025
1. Term: August, 2025 to December, 2025
More dates
Visa Information:
Students need the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for studying at VIU for one semester. The process to receive the eTA is really easy and only takes about a couple of minutes and costs 7 CAD. 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:
Orientation Week starts approximately one 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:
Not possible at the moment.Fees
Bachelor Semester Abroad:
6,497 CAD to 11,997 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):
8,386 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 beautiful harbor town of Nanaimo impresses with its mix of a small town and nature. You have everything you need to live and can escape city life in no time at all by visiting the city's beautiful parks or taking a walk along the coast.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.
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 🙂
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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(5.0)Die wunderschöne Natur und die Tiere auf der Insel. Habt ihr schonmal Bären gesehen, die Lachse im Fluss fangen? Wahnsinn!
Claudia D. (Hochschule Koblenz)
Wenn ihr im Herbst an die VIU geht, dann nehmt euch ein Halloweenkostüm mit. Es ist wirklich meeeeeeeega cool! 🙂
Claudia D. (Hochschule Koblenz)
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