Originally established in 1969 as Malaspina College and elevated to full public university status under the British Columbia University Act in 2008, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a comprehensive public liberal arts and teaching-focused university based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Overlooking the scenic waters of the Salish Sea and Mount Benson, VIU is celebrated for its accessible student-centered learning environment, exceptionally small class sizes taught directly by dedicated faculty, robust undergraduate research opportunities, and comprehensive vocational, trades, and professional degree pathways. VIU delivers over 120 distinct credential options—including certificates, two-year diplomas, post-baccalaureate diplomas, four-year bachelor’s degrees, and specialized master’s programs such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Community Planning (MCP), Master of Education (MEd), and Master of Science in International Business. With a multi-campus footprint comprising the main Nanaimo campus, the LEED Gold Cowichan campus in Duncan, the tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus in Powell River, and the world-renowned Deep Bay Marine Field Station, VIU combines coastal living with rigorous, career-integrated Canadian education.

Why Study Here?