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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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 |
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.
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Vancouver Island University comparison
| University Name | Vancouver Island University | University Canada West | Thompson Rivers University |
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| Overall Ranking |
| - | - |
| Subject Strength | - | - | - |
| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 98.0 % | 80.0 % | 82.0 % |
| Exam Score | |||
| Cost to Study |
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| Placement | The average graduate salary for MBA program is $31,000-60,000 CAD. |
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
Overall 1201 out of 1503 in Global Ranking
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Vancouver Island University Student Profiles
Vancouver Island University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
4 Reviews Found
- Likes:
- I selected this University for its distinct research-focused MBA program, which sets it apart. With a reduced emphasis on work experience, it extends opportunities to a wider range of applicants. The advantage of lower competition compared to other public universities is appealing, creating an environment conducive to career growth. Moreover, the general MBA option aligns with my desire to gain holistic knowledge across business domains.,
- Vancouver Island University (VIU) is amazing. The location is perfect if you like nature without extreme weather. The island's mild climate means you enjoy all seasons comfortably. The best part? Classes are small, like 20-25 students.,
- You're not lost in a crowd; it's a close group where talking is encouraged. Professors know your name, care about your progress, and teach with passion. They're experts and make learning engaging. VIU feels like a friendly community where you learn, connect, and grow.
- Dislikes:
- At Vancouver Island University (VIU), a lack of diversity among students, with about 80% from one group, is noticeable. This limits exposure to different cultures and perspectives, which is important for a richer learning environment.,
- Additionally, job opportunities are scarce on the island due to the absence of major companies. This makes finding meaningful employment after putting in educational effort frustrating. Despite VIU's positives, these challenges impact the overall experience and future prospects. Hoping for improvements in diversity and job opportunities.
Overview:
My time at the university has been truly enriching. The campus's natural beauty, small class sizes, and dedicated professors have created a dynamic learning atmosphere. While there are challenges like limited job options and diversity, the personalized education, research opportunities, and sustainability focus have made this journey incredibly valuable.
Fees:
The total tuition fees for my program amount to approximately 53,689 CAD.
- Likes:
- My previous University in India had agreement with Vancouver Island University.,
- Professor were helpful. The curriculum has more practical approach rather than theoretical one. Beautiful Campus: Located on the stunning Vancouver Island, the university's campus boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscapes.
- Dislikes:
- No placements from the college. Need to work on more On - Campus work and on more placements directly from the University. Classmates were into themselves only. They should be supportive. Lack of Entrepreneurship.
Overview:
Overall Experience was good in terms of studies and extracurricular activities. Just have to work a lot more on placements.
Fees:
$80,000.
- Likes:
- It had lenient admission requirements and without GMAT so I opted this one.,
- Its location on the Island and some accounting and finance professors who were great during our time in terms of academic support and pretty knowledgeable too. All in all, study wise I would say it was an average experience since most of the subjects were pretty much theoretical and lacked real life examples and experiences
- Dislikes:
- I was given hard time during my internship period, there were lot of approvals involved and the process I found was tormenting and stressful as I was pressurized to get WFH approval from my company where I was doing internship during COVID. Though it was work from home internship still VIU management wanted specifically wanted in written form which was ridiculous for me to talk to my company and convince them to do something out of the way.
Overview:
It was an average and I am grateful that they rewarded me MBA degree at least.. Other than that their internship lectures were great but there was not actual company referrals . It was just focused on resume making, how to do networking that's all. The university should have real ties with lot of companies who can hire or at least interview maximum students.
Fees:
About 45000 CAD for the whole program.
Overview:
The university had a co-op element, well-accredited, and economic living arrangements. I also had a few people from my network who did this program so I had some assurance. The program was designed for working professionals since I had work ex and have done a master's before I was more inclined towards this program. Also, their dual-degree option with their Partnered University from the UK was a great incentive to join.
Fees:
There are scholarships available for students from Japan and certain countries. The fee structure is subject to change but was approximately 47,000 for me for the dual degree option. Considering living expenses as well this was a fairly economical option for a Master's Degree in Canada. It having a work element also made it quite cost-effective.
Vancouver Island University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Scholarship per student$51,904 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Aga khan Foundation Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| ASID Foundation Legacy Scholarships | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Rotary Foundation Scholarships- Global Grants | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
Vancouver Island University Admissions
Application Portal: https://students.viu.ca/Inted/pub_main.asp
Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: March31 (Application deadline)Important Date: June1 (Application results)
Vancouver Island University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Vancouver Island University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | - | - | - |
Vancouver Island University Campus Location
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Comments
4 Comments
You will be considered eligible to MBA in Vancouver Island University if you have achieved at least an average of B in the last two years of graduation.
What is the deadline for fall 2023 Intake?
The application deadline for the Fall 2023 intake of Vancouver Island University differ for graduate programs, International students, and activities at regional campuses. To know the application deadline for the program you are interested in, you must visit the specific program page on the university’s website.
Vancouver Island University does not accept Duolingo English Test as one of the English Language Proficiency tests. The ELP tests accepted by this university include TOEFL, IETLS, PTE, CAE, etc.