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
Do you have questions about studying at VIU in Canada?
We advise you free of charge and without any obligations, we are happy to help you find the right study program and answer all of your questions!
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:
Fall semester 2024:
August 26, 2024 – Orientation days
September 03, 2024 – Classes begin
December 18, 2024 – End of exam period
Spring semester 2025:
January 03, 2025 – Orientation days
January 06, 2025 – Classes begin
April 25, 2025 – End of exam period
Dates are subject to change without prior notice.
Vancouver Island University:
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:
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.
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.
Downloads & further information
Brochures and forms:
Please find more information as well as forms and guides for your study abroad term at Vancouver Island University in Canada below:
Brochures and information
* 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)