Placement Metric
Highest Package
N/A
Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.
Vancouver Island University
4.9(4)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1969
Founded
1969
Type
Public
University Guide
About Vancouver Island University
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
Vancouver Island University is a public university in Canada established in 1969. Vancouver Island University has 4 campuses located in British Columbia. VIU campuses is home to 18,000 full-time and part-time students, including 1,100 international students from more than 40 countries. International students are offered with over 120 programs in Vancouver Island University across a variety of disciplines.
To secure admission to VIU in the graduate programs, international students need a bachelor’s degree with an average of Grade B in the last 2 years of bachelor's degree. Students applying to the undergraduate programs need a higher secondary certificate with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or equivalent. International students can estimate to spend 17,269 to 25,119 CAD per annum (10.73 to 15.61 lakhs INR) in tuition fees for Vancouver Island University. The university supports experiential learning through internships & practicum placements.
Looking for scholarships to study in Canada? Check out the full-funded scholarships for Indian students planning to pursue higher education in Canada:
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Table of Contents
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Vancouver Island University Campus
Vancouver Island University operates with one main campus, two other campuses namely the Cowichan and Powell River campuses, and one center in Parkville. The main Nanaimo ocean-view campus encompasses 92 acres of useful land. The university has a 100,000-square-foot library that provides paper and online materials.
Vancouver Island University Student Life
- The Malaspina Theatre on campus can accommodate up to 294 people. It is being used by the university all year round but can be rented by external community groups
- 2 art galleries are located on campus with a gift shop. The art galleries are being run by a non-profit society and are free of charge
- On the Nanaimo campus is a multi-purpose gymnasium facility with the main gym showcasing fields and courts for soccer, badminton, volleyball, and basketball, as well as a racquetball court and convertible squash
- There are several student clubs available at the university including course unions, religious, general interest, activist, and partisan
- The Cowichan campus is the newest with modern facilities certified by LEED Gold
Vancouver Island University Accommodations
Vancouver Island University campus accommodation facilities are provided in the western area of the Nanaimo campus in 10 residence buildings. More than 500 Vancouver Island University students live in the university residences every year.
| Type of Room | Annual Rent (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Modern Single Room | 6.46 lakhs |
| Modern Double Room | 3.82 lakhs |
| Traditional / Dorm - Single Room | 6.22 lakhs |
Off-Campus Accommodation
Off-Campus Housing is private, rented housing. Students that come to Nanaimo get into a legal contract with a local landlord. There are several types of accommodations available, as well as economical options. The Nanaimo property market can be difficult to navigate, and it may take some time to find your new home. Places4Students is a portal dedicated to listing VIU student housing. It is a reliable partner in delivering student renting alternatives.
Vancouver Island University Programs
There are 6 masters programs, 9 graduate diploma, 1 graduate certificate, 4 post-graduate diploma, and 2 advanced diploma. There are 67 undergraduate programs in Vancouver Island University at the university in fields like business, management, education, health, science, technology etc.
Vancouver Island University offers a 20-month full-time MBA that indulges students in a 3-week foundation of blended coursework at the beginning and ends with a 4-month internship and an applied business project. The University offers certificate and non-credit programs under the umbrella of the Academic and Career Preparation and High School Equivalency (ABE) program.
Vancouver Island University Admissions
Vancouver Island University accepts international student applications if they apply directly to the university or through authorized representatives. Students could also be a part of an exchange program between institutions, sponsored through Government or winners of competitions and scholarships. The process for admission to Vancouver Island University has been discussed below:
Vancouver Island University PG Admissions
| Category | PG Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | University Application Portal |
| Application Fee | 150 CAD (9,332 INR) |
| Academic Requirements | Bachelor’s degree |
| GPA or aggregate | Grade B average in the last 2 years of bachelor's degree |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 7.0 overall | TOEFL iBT: 93 |
| Standardized Test Score | Not required |
| Additional Requirements | Work experience required for specific programs |
Vancouver Island University UG Admissions
| Category | PG Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | University Application Portal |
| Application Fee | 150 CAD (9,332 INR) |
| Academic Requirements | Higher secondary school certificate |
| GPA or aggregate | Minimum C grade in English studies or equivalent |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 overall | TOEFL iBT: 88 |
| Additional Requirements | Applicants must be 17 years of age or submit a letter of intent |
Vancouver Island University Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance for Vancouver Island University comprises the tuition fee and the cost of living. International tuition fees in Vancouver Island University ranges between 17,269 to 25,119 CAD per annum (10.73 to 15.61 lakhs INR). An estimated cost of living on campus for international students in Vancouver Island University is provided below:
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 600 | 37,300 |
| Food and Groceries | 350 | 21,760 |
| Basic Health Insurance | 63 | 3,915 |
| Extended Health and Dental Insurance | 23 | 1,430 |
| Transportation | 55 | 3,420 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 | 6,215 |
Vancouver Island University Scholarships
Vancouver Island University offers over 4.3 million CAD worth of financial aid through scholarships, grants, student jobs, and external aid. International students can apply for external scholarships to study in USA that are not administered by Vancouver Island University. Some of the popular Vancouver Island University scholarships available to international students are tabulated belo:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| VIU Worldwide Entrance Scholarships | Entering undergraduate students will be awarded on the basis of academic transcripts | 2000 CAD |
| VIU International Undergraduate Regional Scholarship | Awarded to international students entering first year | 5000 CAD (2500 CAD in the first year of study and 2500 CAD in the second year) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Entrance Scholarship | Awarded to successful applicants at VIU who graduated with an IB diploma | 1000 CAD per year for up to four academic years |
| International Education Academic Excellence Scholarship | Awarded to full-time international undergraduate students who perform outstanding in their previous academic year at VIU | 1000 CAD |
| Outstanding International Student Awards | Awarded to continuing full-time international undergraduate students with minimum GPA of 3.0 and who contribute to the community | 2000 CAD |
Work Study Program
Vancouver Island University exhibits several work options on campus for students to get involved, make money, and obtain useful experience. The Work-Op program provides work opportunities for VIU students to gain broad experiential learning. Students must be enrolled at VIU to be eligible for the Work-op program. The eligibility criteria for the Work-Op program are as follows:
- A minimum of three 3-credit courses, 2 Academic and Career Preparation (ACP or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses; or
- 60% course load at VIU for most students; or
- For students with a recognized disability, full-time status is two 3-credit courses, 1 ACP/ESL course.
Vancouver Island University Placements
The VIU career center hosts career fairs every spring where students meet with recruiters. 2053 employers have partnered with VIU since 2014 to provide work-integrated learning opportunities for students. VIU MBA graduates are employed across some of the top companies in the world and prestigious unique niche companies across diverse locations. The average salary of VIU MBA graduates range between 31,000 to 60,000 CAD per annum (19.24 to 37.24 lakhs INR).
Vancouver Island University Alumni
Vancouver Island University alumni network involves more than 75,000 members. The alumni benefits include exclusive access to the university library, unique access to VIU Athletics & Recreation Services (gym), alumni discounts at the VIU Campus Store at the Nanaimo Campus, insurance and car rental discount, discounted museum entry, resort and spa entry.
Vancouver Island University Notable Alumni
| Alumni | Designation | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Víctor Blasco | Spanish footballer | Midfielder for Angkor Tiger FC |
| Shaye Anderson | Canadian politician | Former Minister of Municipal Affairs of Alberta |
| Pat Steward | Canadian drummer | Member of the band Odds |
| Rachel Blaney | Canadian politician | Member of the House of Commons of Canada |
MBA and MSc IB graduates in VIU can stay up to 14 months to 3 years and work in Canada coupled with the 4-month MBA internships. Such students stand a good chance of advancing their careers better than their counterparts.
FAQs
Ques. Is Vancouver Island University a good university?
Ans. Yes, Vancouver Island University is a good place to study abroad for international students. The university is ranked at #1001-1200 in the latest 2024 QS World University Rankings. With over 120 programs, internships and practicum training .
Ques. What are the graduate admission requirement for admission to Vancouver Island University?
Ans. The general admission requirement for admission at VIU includes copy of the High School Graduation Diploma (if available) or certificate, copy of your passport (photo page), official transcripts, certified English translations for any documents that are not in English, copy of university degree, resume, 2 letters of recommendation, letter of introduction (if applicable), work experience (if required), specific program requirements.
Ques. What is the acceptance rate at Vancouver Island University?
Ans. The Vancouver Island University has a moderately selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 57%.
Ques. What is the English language requirement for international students at VIU?
Ans. International students whose first language is not English must prove their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following test scores:
| Test | Minimum Requirements for UG | Minimum Requirements for PG |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 88 | 93 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Ques. How many students are there at Vancouver Island University?
Ans. VIU currently has a student population of 18,000, including 1,100 international students from more than 40 countries.
Ques. How many students are admitted into the program each intake at Vancouver Island University?
Ans. The number of students admitted each year varies depending on the number of part-time students. However the average size of the yearly intake is approximately 34 students.
Ques. How can I prepare for the interview for admission at VIU?
Ans. The interview is intended as an opportunity for faculty to be introduced to students and for students to become familiarized with the program. Be on time and ready to present yourself in a professional manner.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
32
Fee from
₹16,69,409.52
Exams
IELTS · TOEFL
Showing 5 of 16 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration5 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 16.4 L/Yr
Native FeeCAD 23,993 /Yr
Estimated Total₹323112
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
Vancouver Island University admissions have a moderately selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 57%. Vancouver Island University is one of the top Canadian universities that offer admissions to over 120 certificates, diplomas, and degree programs. Vancouver Island University admissions begin for the fall,and spring semesters. To get admission to graduate programs at VIU you would need at least grade B average in the last 2 years of bachelor's degree and IELTS score of 7.0, on the other hand for undergraduate programs you would need minimum C grade in English studies C or equivalent and IELTS score of 6.5.
The top programs at VIU among international students are MBA, English as a Second Language, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Hospitality Management, among others. VIU currently has a student population in excess of 18,000 full-and part-time learners, including 1,100 international students from more than 40 countries, and over 1,000 aboriginal students. Around 694 students from India study at Vancouver Island University which makes India among the top countries of origin from where international students apply to VIU. For most graduate and undergraduate admissions at VIU applications will be accepted untill March 31 for September intake.
Vancouver Island University Admission Deadlines
The University offers programs beginning in September and January. Applicants must check the specific program for accurate application deadlines. The following table represents application deadlines common to most programs offered by the University:
Vancouver Island University Graduate Admissions
VIU offers a number of graduate programs including 6 master’s degrees, 9 graduate diplomas, 2 advanced diplomas and 4 post-degree diplomas, and 1 graduate certificate. Applicants holding a completed bachelor’s degree and fulfill program-specific admission requirements are eligible to apply at Vanvouver Island University admission. Following are the admission requirements for graduate programs at Vancouver Island University:
Application Portal: Online Web Application
Application Fee: 150 CAD (9,332 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- At least grade B average in the last 2 years of bachelor's degree
- English language proficiency test score
- TOEFL iBT: 93
- IELTS: 7.0 or above
- GMAT or GRE scores are not required.
- Work experience required for specific programs
Top Graduate Programs Requirements
| Requirements | Letter of recommendation | Resume | Work experience | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed in Special Education | Required, two letters | Required | Two years of successful teaching | Not required |
| Master of Community Planning | Required, three letters | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Master of Geographic Information System | Required, two letters | Not required | Experience or training in GIS | Required |
| Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management | Required, three letters | Required | Not required | Required |
Vancouver Island University MBA Admissions
MBA in Vancouver Island University is a 20 months master’s degree program offered at the Nanaimo Campus of the university. Applicants are required to have atleast 1 year of experience to apply for this course. The intake sessions are September and January for this program. Following are the admission requirements for MBA at VIU:
Application Portal: Online Web Application
Application Fee: 150 CAD (9,332 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree from a business or any other discipline.
- A minimum “B” average in undergraduate degree.
- English language proficiency test score
- TOEFL iBT: 93
- IELTS: 7.0 or above
- Letter of introduction
- CV/Resume
- Two letters of recommendation from past employers or professors.
- One year minimum of work experience
- No GMAT (entrance examination) score
MBA Application Deadline for International Students: 14 July 2023
Vancouver Island University Undergraduate Admissions
Vancouver Island University offers sought-after undergraduate programs in a wide range of subjects. Some of the popular courses are mathematics, chemistry, psychology, visual arts, English, economics, sociology, tourism management, etc. There are more than 120 VIU bachelor programs to choose from.
Application Portal: Online Web Application
Application Fee: 150 CAD (9,332 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate from higher secondary school
- Minimum C grade in English studies C or equivalent
- Official high school transcripts
- Applicants must be 17 years of age or submit a letter of intent
- English language proficiency test score
- TOEFL iBT: 88
- IELTS: 6.5 or above
Vancouver Island University Admission Decision
Applications are processed only once the application fee has been paid and all supporting documents have been received. Students can expect a processing time of 2-8 weeks depending on the bulk of applications received specially for master’s degree and limited entry programs. The decision will be notified to the accepted students via mail.
The processing time can be reduced if the applicant scans and upload documents along with the application. After review by the Admissions Committee, successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer. The Letter of Acceptance is sent to the applicant after the deposit has been paid.
Vancouver Island University: Selection Criteria
The university adopts a moderately selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 60 to 70%. To get admission to graduate programs at Vancouver Island University you would need at least grade B average in the last 2 years of bachelor's degree and IELTS score of 7.0, on the other hand for undergraduate programs you would need minimum C grade in English studies C or equivalent and IELTS score of 6.5.
FAQs
Ques. How will I know if my application has been received by the university?
Ans. Vancouver Island University will send a letter of acknowledgement of the application submitted within two weeks from the receipt of application. The University will also notify students of any further steps required to complete the applications.
Ques. Can I apply for multiple programs?
Ans. Yes. To apply for more than one program, an application must be submitted for each request.
Ques. How many sets of transcripts will be required to apply for multiple programs?
Ans. Students have to submit only one set of transcripts even if they apply for multiple programs. Other documents required for admission at VIU by an international students are:
- Passport copy
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
- English proficiency test scores
Ques. How can I submit the application processing fees?
Ans. The application processing fee can be paid via Visa, Mastercard or American Express. The University also accepts cheque, money order and electronic transfer. For all the international students the application fees is 150 CAD (9,332 INR) for all graduate and undergraduate programs.
Ques. How long will it take to process applications?
Ans. Applications are processed only once the application fee has been paid and all supporting documents have been received. Students can expect a processing time of 2-8 weeks depending on the bulk of applications received specially for master’s degree and limited entry programs. The decision will be notified to the accepted students via mail.
Placements & Recruiters
Vancouver Island University Placement Details
Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric
Average Package
N/A
Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.
Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2023
Highlights
2023
2023
- Best overall country rank: #26
- Overall: #26 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall
- 1 ranking record in 2023
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Best overall country rank: #27
- Overall: #27 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall
- 1 ranking record in 2024
2025
Highlights
2025
2025
- Best overall country rank: #27
- Overall: #27 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall
- 1 ranking record in 2025
Contact Information
Student Reviews & Ratings
Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary
Overall score
4.9/10
Top Rated
Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
Visual summary of rating distribution and categories
Live Summary
Academic
6.3/10
Faculty
6.5/10
Infrastructure
6.5/10
Accommodation
5.5/10
Placement
3.3/10
Extracurricular
6.0/10