Vancouver Island University: Ranking, Courses, Admission 2023, Fees, Scholarships, Placements & Alumni

Vancouver Island University: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarships, Placements & Alumni

Nanaimo, British ColumbiaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1969established year
10652enrollment
AUCC
Public
Partner [5 Courses]
4.9/10

Important Alerts

EventsDates
Project Management Application Deadline For September Intake
Closing in 160 days
30th Apr 2025

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:

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 Top Courses & Fees

Course Name Annual Tuition Fees (INR) Total Annual Fees
Bachelor of Business Administration [B.B.A] ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Tourism Management ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Graduate Certificate, Business ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Graduate Diploma, Project Management ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Bachelor, Hospitality Management ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Master of Education [M.Ed], Educational Leadership ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258
Master of Arts [M.A], Sustainable Leisure Management ₹ 1550841 CAD 25,258

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.

Vancouver Island University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams Score
M.B.A
20 months
Application Deadline For January Intake (31st Jul 2024)
USD 37,014 /Yr
CAD 51,408 /Yr
  • IELTS: 7
  • TOEFL: 93
  • PTE: 65
Application Deadline For September Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 16,541 /Yr
CAD 22,973 /Yr
  • IELTS: 7
  • TOEFL: 93
  • PTE: 60
Application Deadline For September Intake (30th Apr 2025)
USD 17,275 /Yr
CAD 23,993 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 88
  • PTE: 60
Application Deadline For September Intake (18th Jan 2025)
USD 22,458 /Yr
CAD 31,191 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 88
  • PTE: 60
B.B.A
4 years
Application Deadline For January Intake (30th Sep 2024)
USD 17,275 /Yr
CAD 23,993 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 88
  • PTE: 60
  • Duolingo: 110
Application Deadline For September Intake (30th Jun 2025)
USD 18,186 /Yr
CAD 25,258 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 88
  • PTE: 60
  • Duolingo: 110

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Top Recommended Courses


20 months
On Campus
English
Full Time
College Partner
Exam Scores: IELTS7|TOEFL93|PTE65
USD 37,014 /YrCAD 51,408 /Yr
10 Students Applied
7 Students Admitted

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS7|TOEFL93|PTE60
Important Date: 15 Apr, 2025
USD 19,895 /YrCAD 27,632 /Yr

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2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL88|PTE60
Important Date: 18 Jan, 2025
USD 22,458 /YrCAD 31,191 /Yr

Graduate Diploma Project Management

1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
College Partner
Exam Scores: IELTS7|TOEFL93|PTE60
Important Date: 30 Apr, 2025
USD 16,541 /YrCAD 22,973 /Yr

Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science

4 years
Co Op, On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL88|PTE60
Important Date: 30 Apr, 2025
USD 17,275 /YrCAD 23,993 /Yr

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Vancouver Island University comparison

University NameVancouver Island UniversityUniversity Canada WestThompson Rivers University
Overall Ranking
  • #1201 QS World University 2025
  • #1001 QS World University 2024
  • #1001 QS World University 2023
--
Subject Strength---
Programs
  • UG Programs- 33
  • PG Programs - 6
  • UG Programs- 3
  • PG Programs - 2
  • UG Programs- 52
  • PG Programs - 7
  • Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate98.0 %80.0 %82.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 9585.36 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 19895.04 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 27276.48 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 13824 [For UG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 1872 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 12020.4 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 20401.2 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 30953.52 Per Year
Placement

The average graduate salary for MBA program is $31,000-60,000 CAD. 


  • The university offers multiple placement assistance to its students to ensure they get the best opportunities in all majors. In addition, the university's placement rate is around 85%.
  • University Canada West  provides resume building, mock interviews, recruiters meetings and other facilities to all its students. 
  • Many international companies, Apple, Nestle, SAP, Siemens, etc., hire students of university canada west for various positions.
  • The average salary of University Canada West graduates is around 50,000 CAD.

  • Thompson Rivers University's Student Placement Service assists students in finding placements and internships.
  • Under Thompson Rivers University's work and study program, students can get job placements while still studying.
  • If they study for up to two years at TRU, they will need a work permit in Canada for up to two years after graduation.
  • Students can work up to 20 hours per week and earn an average of 2400-3000 CAD (1,48,134.51- 1,85,168.14 INR)per month under the program. 
  • In Canada, a student can earn up to 120,000 CAD (74,07,207.68 INR)per year. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for University graduates is 66,306  CAD (40,91,622.58 INR).

-Read Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

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Vancouver Island University Ranking

202520242023

QS World University logo

Overall 1201 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

#27 out of 30 in Canada 2025

Nearest Ranked Colleges

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Vancouver Island University Ratings

Based on 4 Students Rating

4.9 out of 10
6.3/10Academic
5.5/10Accommodation
6.5/10Faculty
6.5/10Infrastructure
3.3/10Placement
6.0/10Social Life

Vancouver Island University Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Management (2)
Business and Management (2)
Engineering (1)
Computer Science (1)
Canada (1)
Community (1)
Degree (1)
Entrance (1)
Experience (1)
Island (1)
Program (1)

4 Reviews Found

RP
6.0 /10

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. null
  • 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. null

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.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 5/10

N
3.3 /10

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. null

Overview

Overall Experience was good in terms of studies and extracurricular activities. Just have to work a lot more on placements.

Fees

$80,000.

academic: 4/10
faculty: 5/10
infrastructure: 4/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 1/10

H
3.3 /10

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. null

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.

academic: 5/10
faculty: 5/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 2/10
placement: 1/10

Alvin Meledath
7.0 /10

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.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 6/10

Vancouver Island University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Collegedunia $150 Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$150Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
QS Scholarship for Academic ExcellenceScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Laval University ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Ellis R. Ott Scholarship for Applied Statistics and Quality ManagementScholarship per student$7,500Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Jared J. Davis GrantScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Microsoft Tuition ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Vancouver Island University Admissions

  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: March31 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: June1 (Application results)

Vancouver Island University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
IELTS-6.59-
Check Detailed Score
Reading-6--
Writing-6--
Listening-6--
Speaking-6--
PTE-6590-
TOEFL-88120-
Check Detailed Score
Reading-20--
Writing-20--
Listening-20--
Speaking-20--

Attendance Cost

$19,212

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

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$19,212 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$39,686 / Year
On Campus
Housing & food (homestay)
$6,739 / Year
Books & Supplies
$1,080 / Year
Housing
$8,994 / Year
Food & Groceries (On Campus & Off Campus)
$4,674 / Year
Transportation (On Campus & Off Campus)
$432 / Year
Off Campus
Housing
$6,869 / Year

Vancouver Island University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Program wise accreditation
Engineering Programs
Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists
Programs
Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs?
Interior Design Programs
Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Language Programs
Languages Canada
Programs
Canadian Association for Social Work Education

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
1500---

Vancouver Island University Campus Location


+1-250-740-6315
Telephone
900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Bus Station
  • Book Store
  • Shopping Mall
  • Airport

Bus Station

VIU Exchange Bay A0.08 km
VIU Exchange Bay B0.10 km
VIU Exchange Bay C0.11 km
VIU Exchange Bay D0.39 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

University Village Mall1.13 km
Dollarama1.24 km
Wesley Mews Ent Inc2.00 km
Mall2.51 km
Show More

Book Store

VIU Campus Book Store0.12 km
Intersection Adult Shop1.97 km
WindowSeat Books2.01 km
Literacy Central Vancouver Island2.29 km
Show More

Airport

Harbour Air2.60 km
Nanaimo Harbour Airport CAC82.62 km
Pacific Seaplanes2.63 km
Helijet3.14 km
Show More

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


5 Comments
B
baldev
Is seat available in viu
A
Arman Mulla

As of now, the application deadlines at Vancouver Island University are closed

M
mohammed mohibb khan
Dear sir I have done Bsc in business and management studies with finance from United Kingdom with grade 2:1 (65%). I have 2 years of work experience, Can I apply for MBA in Vancouver island university for 2024 Jan session.
A
Ashish Ramtari

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. 

A
afrida jerin

What is the deadline for fall 2023 Intake?

S
Sinbad Chongtham

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.

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