If you're dreaming of studying in Canada surrounded by
nature, innovation, and opportunity, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is your perfect destination.
Located in the beautiful coastal city of Nanaimo,
British Columbia, VIU offers an inclusive learning environment, world-class
faculty, and practical, career-oriented programs.
At GroupL Education, we help international students
like you take the next step toward a brighter future at VIU.
🌍 Overview
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public
university founded in 1969. Known for its small class sizes, personalized
learning, and strong community involvement, VIU is a favorite among
international students seeking a balanced academic and lifestyle experience.
The university attracts students from over 90 countries and
boasts a campus located near forests, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean — making
it ideal for both academic growth and outdoor adventure.
🎓 Programs Offered
VIU offers over 120 programs across undergraduate,
graduate, and vocational levels, emphasizing hands-on learning and applied
research.
Popular Program Areas:
Business
& Management
Hospitality
& Tourism
Information
Technology & Computer Science
Engineering
& Applied Sciences
Education
Health
& Nursing
Arts
& Humanities
Natural
Resource Management & Forestry
You can pursue Bachelor’s degrees, Diplomas, Graduate
Certificates, and even Master’s programs in select disciplines.
📝 Application Requirements
With GroupL Education, applying to VIU is
hassle-free. Here's what you typically need:
Undergraduate Requirements:
High
school completion with strong grades
IELTS:
6.0 (no band below 5.5) / TOEFL iBT: 80 / Duolingo: 110+
Passport
copy
Official
transcripts
Graduate/PG Certificate Requirements:
Bachelor’s
degree from a recognized institution
IELTS:
6.5 (no band below 6.0) / TOEFL iBT: 88+
Statement
of purpose
Resume/CV
Letters
of reference (for certain programs)
We’ll assist you in preparing your documents and submitting
a complete, competitive application.
💰 Tuition Fees & Living Costs
Studying at VIU offers affordable education in one of
Canada’s most scenic regions.
Tuition Fees (Approx. per year):
Program TypeEstimated Tuition (CAD)
Undergraduate Programs
$16,000 – $18,000
Graduate Programs
$18,000 – $22,000
ESL/Pathway Programs
$5,000 – $6,500 (per term)
Living Costs in Nanaimo:
Accommodation:
$500 – $900/month
Food
& Transport: $400 – $600/month
Health
Insurance: $75/month (included in most programs)
💡 On-campus housing and
homestay options are available for international students.
Application
Deadlines
VIU has three intakes each year for most programs:
Intakes:
Fall
(September) – Main intake
Spring
(January)
Summer
(May) – Limited programs
Suggested Deadlines:Fall
intake: Apply by May 1
Spring
intake: Apply by October 1
Summer
intake: Apply by February 1
🕒 Early application is
recommended for better visa timelines and scholarship consideration.
📈 Rankings & Recognition
VIU is known for:
High student satisfaction
Excellent teaching and faculty interaction
One
of the top teaching universities in British Columbia
Ranked
as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) by the Government of
Canada
Though not a research-intensive university, VIU is highly
respected for its applied learning and community engagement.
🎓 Scholarships & Financial Aid
VIU offers generous scholarships and bursaries for
international students to ease the cost of studying in Canada.
Available Scholarships:
Entrance
Scholarships (CAD 1,000 – CAD 2,000)
VIU
International Student Award
Merit-Based
Scholarships
Work-Study
& On-Campus Jobs
Scholarships are typically automatic based on
academic performance, though some may require a separate application.
Start
Your VIU Journey with GroupL Education
At GroupL Education, we help international students
access world-class education with ease.
From program selection to visa support,
our team is here every step of the way.
What We Offer:
✅ Application Guidance
✅
Personalized university matching
✅
Document & visa support
✅
Pre-departure assistance
✅
Scholarship advice
📞 Contact us today to begin your exciting journey to Vancouver Island University — one of
Canada’s top destinations for global learners.
