Take your next step with us
Thinking about joining us at VIU?
When you apply to academic or trades programs, you’re taking an exciting step in your life. It’s a big move and there’s lots to think about. We’re here to help you along the way.
Here you'll find general information for undergraduate admissions and trades admissions for standard applications.
Get the admissions information you need
This page covers general information for undergraduate admissions and trades admissions for standard applications. If you’re a transfer student, international student or mature student, you may have different questions. And we have answers.
Quick links
Talk to a recruiter
Our friendly recruiters are always ready to answer your questions about applying to VIU. They can help you with the application process and talk you through the program options that might work for you.
What to expect from the VIU admissions process
These steps cover the basics. And we help along the way. If your application is missing something, we will email you.
- Choose a program.
- Apply through Education Planner BC.
- Submit any additional requested documents.
- Wait to receive an admissions decision.
- Accept your offer and pay your tuition deposit.
- Register for classes.
Find out your admission requirements
The basic requirement for most VIU programs is a high school graduation with a minimum C grade in English. Most programs have additional requirements. Often they include other high school courses that prepare you for what you’ll learn in the program. You can find the complete admission requirements on the program pages.
Sign up for a VIU information session
When you’re exploring your options, an information session is a great place to start. We offer general info sessions that give you an overview of VIU. And we offer program info sessions that focus on individual programs.
Tips for your VIU application
What to do if you don’t have prerequisites
Each program has different requirements. Often these are high school courses with minimum grades. Before you apply, check the program page to ensure you’ve got all the prerequisites. If you’re missing prerequisites, check in with academic career preparation. We offer tuition-free upgrading courses you can take. Need a little extra help with upgrading? Pathways to Post-secondary offers free upgrading support. Pathways also offers free support for students in ESL courses.
Tour our Nanaimo campus
Experience VIU with all your senses on a campus tour. Take in the ocean view and the surrounding forest. You’ll explore campus with a student ambassador as your guide. They will show you where all the important things can be found, and they’ll share their unique perspective as VIU students.
An important decision – make it personal
Choosing a school is a big decision. You must make the choice that’s right for you. Personal connection with professors was an important factor for Gordon Skocic.
“I chose to go to VIU because of the smaller class sizes and to also make a connection with the professors who care about teaching and care about who you are as an individual.”
--Gordon Skocik, Bachelor of Science, major in Biology and minor in Chemistry.
Paying for school
How much is tuition at VIU? What help can you get to pay for your studies at VIU? Explore our tuition and aid pages for answers to these questions and more.
- view our current tuition and fee
- learn about scholarships, awards and bursaries
- connect with the VIU Financial Aid and Awards Office
Virtual tour
Admissions FAQs
First, choose your program – try our program finder.
Each program page has full details on
- admission requirements
- programs fees
- important dates.
Review the program page to ensure you meet entry requirements and collected any required documentation. Then you can submit your application online via EducationPlannerBC.
You will likely need to provide your high school transcripts. But every program has different requirements. We recommend you review the admission requirements for your chosen program to ensure you have all required documents.
Please note that International students are required to submit additional documents, may also be required to submit proof of English proficiency.
Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date. But application deadlines vary considerably for different programs. We recommend checking the program page for the deadline for each program.
Entry into many VIU programs is competitive, we also recommend that students submit applications at their earliest convenience.
Application deadlines vary by program. View your program’s calendar page for the most up to date information including application deadlines. If application deadlines are extended, program pages will be updated.
Yes. A non-refundable application fee is charged with each application to cover the costs of processing the application. The application fee will vary, based on whether you are applying as a domestic Canadian or International student, or if you’re applying to an undergraduate or postgraduate program. See our fees page for details.
Yes. Once you are accepted into a VIU program, you must pay a deposit. See our payment methods page for details.
Tuition deposit balance is always applied to the first semester’s assessed fees.
Are you helping a student decide?
High school counselors
You care about what where your students go in life after high school. Find out how we can help them get where they want to go.
Parents & families
You want the best for the young people in your life. You want to know their school will support them through this important stage of their life.
Review information for family members
Ready to apply?
Ready to join us at VIU?
Start your application and prepare to join a community that values innovation, inclusivity, and real-world learning
Find out what it's like to be a VIU student
More than a university, VIU is like home
“Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, I was used to a small-town feeling. The Island is made up of a collection of small communities that made me feel at home. Looking further into Vancouver Island University, I found the institution’s goals and commitments towards the Indigenous culture is what I was looking for.” – Hayden Kenneth Taylor