Study Abroad in Canada at Vancouver Island University (VIU)

The public university Vancouver Island University (VIU) was founded in 1936 and offers highly accredited study conditions in British Columbia, one of Canada’s most scenic areas.

Your advantages

  • More than 200 modern study programs for semester abroad students, bachelor’s and master’s programs
  • Ideal study conditions due to small group sizes (max. 34 students)
  • Intensive, personal support for international students
  • Dynamic exchange between students and lecturers
  • Unique location on Canada’s stunning West Coast
  • Study abroad at one of the most popular universities in British Columbia
  • Numerous outdoor sports opportunities
  • Scholarship opportunities for European students

Study opportunities at VIU

Whether you want to study for a semester abroad during your bachelor’s or master’s degree – Vancouver Island University in British Columbia, Canada, has the matching study program for your career aspirations:

Full Bachelor Program

Bachelor Semester Abroad

MBA Program

Full Master  Program

Gap Year

English Language Programs

Start dates and duration

The academic year at Vancouver Island University is divided into semesters. Therefore you can start your study abroad semester twice a year: annually in January or in September. The next possible start dates are:

Spring semester 2023:

  • January 04 – Orientation day (mandatory)

  • January 05 – Classes begin

  • April 26 – End of exam period

Fall semester 2023:

  • August 29 (TBC) – Orientation day (mandatory)

  • September 05 – Classes begin

  • December 20 – End of exam period

Spring semester 2024:

  • Early January – Orientation day (mandatory)

  • January 08 – Classes begin

  • April 24 – End of exam period

Dates are subject to change without prior notice.

Vancouver Island University:

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Vancouver Island – the home of VIU

The campus of VIU is located in one of the most beautiful regions of the country, in close proximity to forests and wide and endless surfing beaches. A variety of recreational activities are guaranteed year round – the mild climate of the island allows outdoor activities every month of the year. In the coastal town Nanaimo, home of VIU, students will find pretty little shops and cozy cafés. Yet, the big city life of the Vancouver metropolis is only a ferry ride away.

Study Abroad Canada – Scholarships

Studying abroad in Canada is not exactly cheap. The International Student Office is the direct European office of VIU and awards several partial scholarships to students from Europe each year. Our scholarships are awarded every six months and are combined with experience reports from our scholarship winners. Click here to find out more about our scholarships and terms and conditions that apply.

Vancouver Island University:

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Tuition fees at VIU, Canada

Unlike in many European countries, studying in Canada, even for Canadian students, is more expensive. At Vancouver Island University, tuition fees depend on the degree program and the study program. Whether a semester abroad on the bachelor’s or master’s level, a full bachelor’s or master’s degree or Exploratory Studies – here you will find a listing of the current tuition fees at VIU.

VIU-Ambassadors

Do you have questions that you would like to ask a current VIU student? Our VIU Ambassadors have spent some time studying abroad at our University in Canada and know the VIU like the back of their hand. The Ambassadors are happy to answer all your questions and give you first-hand tips on living and studying at the VIU in British Columbia. Contact our VIU ambassadors here.

Living at VIU

The beach on your doorstep and studying in breathtaking nature – you can enjoy the unique environment of the VIU campus even after your lecture, if you choose the accommodation on the VIU campus. However, other students are attracted to shared apartments in downtown Nanaimo. Here you will find detailed information about the various housing options during your study abroad in Canada.

Vancouver Island

Your application to VIU, Canada

The VIU community welcomes international students with open arms. The International Student Office team is happy to assist you during the entire application process, of course completely free of charge. It is best to contact us directly or to get informed here about the application process and about all the documents that need to be submitted. You would like to get started with the application right away? Take the first step towards studying abroad Canada.

Other financing options

In addition to our partial scholarships, there are other ways to finance your studies abroad, such as foreign BAföG. With a Study Permit students are even allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on the VIU campus.

West Canada

* Only applies to undergraduate study abroad students from our partner institutions enrolling into 15 credits and coming to Vancouver Island University for 1-2 semesters. Is applied in CAD (1,056 CAD equal 788€, October 2022)