Vancouver Island University
Nanaimo, Canada
- Cost of LivingCAD 22,020
- Tuition Fee FromCAD 13,250
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength16,175
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
The Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a Canadian public university that is situated on Vancouver Island and near the coast of British Columbia. It was previously known as Malaspina University-College and prior to that as Malaspina College. It began as Malaspina College in 1969 and has grown into a university that is vital to the region's educational, cultural, and economic life. The main campus is in Nanaimo, with regional campuses in Duncan and Powell River, as well as a Parksville centre. Every student becomes a part of VIU's history, which dates back to the institution's inception as a vocational training centre in 1936. VIU has a rich history and a profound relationship with the communities they serve, due to the significant transformations of Malaspina College, Malaspina University-College, and the transfer to become Vancouver Island University in April 2008.
Vancouver Island University’s acceptance rate stands at 60% - 70% with around 18,000+ full-time and part-time students studying at the university out of which 1,100+ are international students from more than 40+ countries. Every student is important at VIU, and they get the support they need every step of the way. Because class numbers are small, devoted, talented professors get to know each student by name and provide them with the time and assistance they require. VIU provides a comprehensive network of student services to ensure a student’s success even when things get tough. Along the journey, students discover how they may make a difference at work, in their town, and possibly even around the globe. The university provides students with around 120+ programs in Master's and Bachelor's degrees, as well as two-year diploma and one-year certificate programs in a variety of fields. In addition, VIU provides English language certificate programs for those studying English as a second language (ESL).
As a VIU student, they can participate in undergraduate research projects or study abroad programs. Many alumni live, work, and pursue graduate studies all around the world. When their studies are over, VIU graduates join this powerful, supportive, and change-making global network of 75,000+ alumni.
Ranking
Canadian universities are known for their academic excellence, high rate of student satisfaction, job opportunities after graduation, etc. Many ranking platforms that analyize this data have ranked the university among the best in the world and on a national level. Here are some of the Vancouver Island University rankings in 2022 -
- 67th in Canada by EduRank
- 11th in British Columbia by EduRank
Course Rankings:
Out of the 120+ degree programs, there are 67+ undergraduate degrees in areas such as business, management, education, health, science, and technology at VIU. The variety of courses offered at the university gives students to choose from a wide range, so let’s take a look at some of the country-based rankings for Vancouver Island University courses in 2022 by EduRank -
- Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: #64
- Psychology: #61
- Political Sciences: #60
- Environmental Science: #58
- Ecology: #50
- Geography & Cartography: #53
- Biology: #56
- Psychology: #63
- Business: #60
- Economics: #63
- Medicine: #65
- Computer Science: #67
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#1201 - 1400
-
2023
#1001 - 1200
-
2022
-
-
2021
-
-
Facilities
VIU has three campuses and a variety of facilities including a Parksville/Qualicum center, the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, and Milner Gardens and Woodlands. The university has undergone numerous restorations and substantial developments in recent years to suit its rising student body and faculty. Here are some Vancouver Island University facilities available on campus -
Academic Support
- Accessibility Services
- Adult Basic Education Learning Centre
- Advising Services
- Assessment and Exam Services
- Connect for Success
- Math Learning Centre
- Peer Supported Learning
- Services for Aboriginal Students
- Student-Assisting-Student Program
- Study Help
- Writing Centre
Health and Wellness
- Clean Air Policy
- Counselling Services
- First Aid
- Health and Wellness Centre
- Human Rights and Respectful Workplace Office
Career Development
- Career Information
- Student Employment
- Work-op Program
Campus Services
- Art Gallery
- Assistance Phone System
- Bike Lockers
- Child Care
- Computer Labs for Student Use
- Food Services on Campus
- Gymnasium
- Library
- Lost and Found
- Parking
- Printing and Photocopying
- Registration and Records
- Scholarships and Awards
- Student Activity Building
- Student Affairs Office
- Students' Union
- Technology
- Theatre
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Vancouver Island University Entry Requirements
International student applications are accepted at VIU if they are submitted directly to the university or through authorized intermediaries. Students could also be a part of an exchange program funded by the government or the winners of competitions and scholarships. Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants can use the online web application. Take a look at Vancouver Island University’s entry requirements -
General Requirements for UG & PG Admissions:
- British Columbia secondary school graduation or equivalent, with a minimum grade C grade in either English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
- Degree from a recognized university
- A visiting student requires a Letter of Permission from the home institution
- A transfer student from a college or university must have at least a 24 transferable university-level credits completed
Vancouver Island University UG Admissions:
- Application from higher secondary school with a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Official high school transcripts
- Letter of Intent
- Applicants must be 17 years of age or submit a letter of intent
- English Proficiency Scores -
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 88
Vancouver Island University PG Admissions:
- Official Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Proof of English Proficiency
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- CV/Resume
- Interview (if required)
- Letter of Recommendations (LORs)
- English proficiency scores
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 93
Vancouver Island University Fees
VIU fees can vary for each student based on the type of program they choose. There are undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by the university. Along with the cost of tuition fees at the university, the university also charges for additional amenities and services provided on campus. Below is a list of some of the Vancouver Island University fees based on the type of program a student selects -
- Animation & Design: CAD 17,400 - CAD 19,228
- Medical & Pure Sciences: CAD 16,680 - CAD 28,286
- Business Management & Entrepreneurship: CAD 13,250 - CAD 48,960
- Computer Science & Technology: CAD 13,250 - CAD 48,960
- Engineering: CAD 20,300
Vancouver Island University Placements
VIU provides a 20-month full-time MBA program that begins with a 3-week foundation of blended courses and concludes with a 4-month internship and an applied business project. Under the Academic and Career Preparation and High School Equivalency (ABE) program, the university provides certificate and non-credit programs.
MBA and MSc IB graduates can work in Canada for up to 14 months to 3 years, in addition to four-month MBA internships; such students have a better chance of developing their careers than their peers. Every spring, the Vancouver Island University placements center offers career fairs where students can interact with recruiters. Since 2014, 2053 employers have collaborated with VIU to provide students with work-integrated learning opportunities. The annual pay range for VIU MBA grads is CAD 31,000 - CAD 60,000. Through internships, field schools, co-ops, and practicums, most VIU degrees and trades programs provide practical experience in work environments which is a wonderful opportunity to obtain relevant work experience while studying.
Scholarship
Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by Vancouver Island University as well as other organisations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can significantly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the university through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
-
Merit-based scholarships
-
Need-based scholarships
-
Country-specific scholarships
-
College-specific scholarships
-
Student-specific scholarships
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Vancouver Island University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Vancouver Island University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
When students move abroad there are certain costs that they might incur while studying at a university. Expenses like the cost of groceries, transport, entertainment, accommodation, and other factors can all be considered as the living expenses a student will have to pay. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Vancouver, Canada -
|
Item |
Cost (Per Month) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
CAD 952 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
CAD 1,067 |
|
Transportation |
CAD 66 |
|
Food |
CAD 649 |
|
Utility |
CAD 113 |
|
Entertainment |
CAD 56 |
|
Groceries |
CAD 99 |
|
Clothes |
CAD 87 |
|
Health Insurance |
CAD 75 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
CAD 2,097 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
CAD 2,212 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
CAD 26,544 |