Students on steps

Key facts about VIU

VIU is a diverse and dynamic learning community. The university empowers students to turn their potential into real-world success. Explore VIU's programs at Learning at VIU.

VIU at a glance

There were over 13,000 students at VIU in 2023-24

12,022 students

There were over 1,600 international students from 85 countries at VIU in 2023-24

976 international students 

from 83 countries

There were over 1,500 Indigenous students at VIU in 2023-24

1,666 Indigenous students

There were over 100,000 VIU alumni in 160 countries in 2023-24

100,000+ alumni

 in 160 countries

There were over 2,000 VIU faculty and staff at VIU in 2023-24

2,000+ 

faculty and staff members

There were more than 120 programs of study at VIU in 2023-24

100+ programs

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2026)

All VIU students

By age

25% 25 years and up, 42% 19 to 25 years, 12% 18 and under

 

By gender

56% women, 40% men, 2% non-binary, 2% unknown

 

By program category

Undergraduate programs make up 57% of the student headcount, with skills programs and trades programs and developmental programs making up 13% each. Graduate programs make up 6% of the headcount and vocational are at 3%.

International students

By country

India: 24%; Germany: 12%; China: 9%: Japan: 8%; Nigeria: 5%; Vietnam: 4%; other countries: 38%

By region

Asia: 60%; Europe: 16%; Africa: 14%; Americas: 9%

International student headcount

World map showing distribution of international students' home countries.

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2026)

Credentials awarded

1837 undergraduate certificates 790 undergraduate degrees, 786 apprenticeships, 498 graduate degrees, 389 other, 319 diplomas

Source: Strategic Planning and Initiatives Enrolment Snapshot (May 1, 2026)

VIU campuses

VIU's main campus is in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. We also have campuses in Cowichan and at tiwšɛmawtxʷ in the qathet region. Each campus offers a mix of academic and trades programs.

Thriving community

500+ students in 10 residences.

Rich sports tradition

Ranked fourth in CCAA and 18 PACWEST top athletics award in last 20 years.

Diversity of interests

More than 50 clubs and organizations.

Student aid

$7.5 million

Available scholarships, awards and bursaries (CDN dollars)

VIU scholarships and awards

Source: Fiscal year 2025-26 data from VIU Foundation as of May 1, 2026

$2757

Average award amount per student

Source: Fiscal year 2025-26 data from VIU Foundation as of May 1, 2026

227

Number of students enrolled in the Post-Care Tuition Waiver program

Post-Care Tuition Waiver program

Source: Academic year 2025-26 data from Financial Aid & Awards as of May 1, 2026.

VIU grad job prospects

A strong majority of VIU graduates responding to the BC Student Outcomes between 2023 and 2025 reported that they have a job related to their program. VIU graduate employment rates are higher than the provincial average. 

VIU employment rates are higher than the provincial average for bachelor degrees, diplomas, certificates and trades programs

Source: BC Student Outcomes survey results 2023-2025