Vancouver Island University

Established in 1969, Vancouver Island University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Nanaimo (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), British Columbia. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Duncan, Parksville, Powellriver. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training, British Columbia, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Vancouver Island University (VIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 50 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. 

English Language Requirements for Academic Programs

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs, students must have completed one of the following.

The Duolingo English Test (only For Fall 2020 and Spring 2021) - 110

Undergraduate Academic and Vocational Programs

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Proof of English language proficiency is required from applicants for whom English is not their first language or from those whose education was completed in any country where English is not the official language.

For students who meet the academic requirements but not the English language requirement, conditional acceptance to VIU may be granted. In this case, admission is granted pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program (level AP5). Exceptions may apply.

Up to 30 advanced credits may be granted for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate (higher level) courses.

Academic programs may have additional program admission requirements and course prerequisites. 

International students who are BC high school graduates must have a minimum grade of “C” in English 12 for direct entry into an academic program.

Admission to Post-Degree Diploma in Business Studies

Business or non-business Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.

Meet VIU’s English language requirements for academic programs. Individual course pre-requisites also apply.

Admission to Graduate Programs

Minimum “B” average in the final 2 years of a Bachelor’s degree.

Meet one of the following VIU English language requirements

Scholarships and Awards will be selected based on minimum course load requirements, grade point average requirements, specific donor criteria and information provided on the application form. For more information