Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

Formerly known as Malaspina University-College, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a Canadian public university, which was founded in 1969. Later in 1988, the government took a special initiative, which was designed to increase access to degree programs in British Columbia. Out of the 5 community colleges in British Columbia, Malaspina University-College was one of the first ones to be granted authority to offer baccalaureate degrees. Finally in 2008, under an amendment of the University Act, Malaspina University-College has designated a university and they began their operations as Vancouver Island University. 

VIU has been affiliated with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). Talking about its ranking, VIU ranks rank 40 in the Country and 1366 in the World. 

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The campus homes four major sectors of infrastructure namely, Nanaimo Campus, Cowichan Campus (Located in Duncan, BC), Powell River Campus and Parksville Qualicum Centre. The Nanaimo campus consists of a new Health and Science Centre and a renovated Marine, and an Automotive and Trades Complex. The Parksville-Qualicum Centre on the other end operates as an exclusive study center of the university. The University maintains other campuses at Cowichan and Powell River, where there are hi-tech laboratories, libraries, computer labs, writing centers, art studios, and mathematics centers. 

VIU offers master's and bachelor's degrees, 2-year diplomas, and 1-year certificate programs in various fields of study like Business, Education, Tourism and Hospitality, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Art and Design, and Performing Arts, Humanities and Trades & Applied Technology. Besides this, the University offers Exploratory University Studies (EXPO), Professional Development and Training, Academic and Career Preparation and High School Equivalency (ABE), and English Language (ESL) programs.

Accomplishments & Alumni

In Higher Education Academy’s 2018 Global Teaching Excellence Award, Vancouver Island University has been nominated as a finalist, for teaching excellence.

Notable Alumni include Paul Manly MP (Canadian politician), Rachel A. Blaney MP (Canadian politician), Víctor Blasco (Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Canadian club Pacific FC), and Amelia Alcock-White (Canadian artist based in Vancouver).

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

In 2018, VIU successfully enrolled over 16000+ students out of which over 18% were International Students representing over 40+ countries. Vancouver Island University also offers exchange programs, wherein students can pursue one or two semesters in any other country and continue their education at VIU. Their current partner institutions are located in Australia, Korea, the Netherlands, Finland, England, France, Japan, New Zealand and many more. Top hirers include Shaw Communications, TD, CIBC, BC Public Service and Western Forest Productions.