Vancouver Island University is a public teaching university in Nanaimo, British Columbia, offering more than 100 programs.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public teaching university where academic excellence meets real-world learning. Its vision includes welcoming people, honouring place, and building potential. The institution is a BC Public Post-secondary Institution, recognized and authorized by the BC Ministry of Advanced Skills and Training, and is a designated institution under the Post-Secondary International Education (Designated Institutions) Act.
VIU started out as the Dominion-Provincial Youth Training Centre in 1936. In 1969, it became Malaspina College, and in 1989 it became Malaspina University-College. By the 1950s, VIU had begun attracting international attention for innovation and hands-on learning. The institution transitioned to Vancouver Island University in April 2008.
VIU offers more than 100 programs to more than 12,000 students. The university has more than 900 international students from 85 countries. Admission routes include general undergraduate admission, transfer student admission, a domestic undergraduate application window, and graduate program admission.
The Nanaimo main campus at 900 Fifth Street spans 92 scenic acres, including lush stands of forest and Japanese gardens. The campus is on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and has a view of the Salish Sea. It features housing for more than 500 students. VIU has three coastal campuses: Nanaimo, Cowichan, and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River). Facilities include an Art Gallery, Gymnasium, Theatre, Students' Union, Writing Centre, Math Learning Centre, Career Studio, Health and Wellness Centre, and Student Health Clinic.