PrintableFrequently Asked Questions (New Students)
- How do I get into a program at Vancouver Island University?
Click here for English as a Second Language Certificate programs. For academic or vocational programs choose the program you are interested in from the programs page and then apply. For MBA Programs, visit the MBA Program site. If you do not meet the English language requirements, enter the VIU English Language Certificate program or complete the admission requirements of one of the language proficiency tests.
- Does VIU have scholarships?
Yes. VIU has a limited number of academic scholarships for international students studying in British Columbia high schools, offshore schools, at Malaspina High School, and those studying in our English Language Certificate program. Please see www.viu.ca/international/awards.asp for more information.
- How many students are at Vancouver Island University, and what percent are international students?
There are about 10,000 full-time students at VIU. About 1,000 of these students are international students. Each year VIU has about 50 different countries represented.
- Can I get credit for courses taken somewhere else?
You may be eligible for transfer credit for courses you have taken elsewhere. To apply, attach your official notarized transcripts (translated into English if necessary) and a course description from the institution where you took the course. The course description must be in English. Forward the completed forms with your application, along with a request to transfer credit.
- Where can I live when I study at Vancouver Island University?
There are several options:
- Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/CAEL/Cambridge score?
No. You can enter our English Language Certificate program directly. Starting in Level 3, you can begin taking academic classes for credit. After completing Level 5, you can enter directly into the academic or vocational program you want and transfer credit from your ESL program to your academic program.
If you studied in an English speaking country for the last 5 years or more, or have already completed a degree from a recognized institution in an English speaking country, you may not be required to provide English Language Test results. Also, if you have graduated from an International Baccalaureate (IB) program you may not be required to provide English Language Test results.
- Do I have to finish the English Language Certificate program before I can take academic courses?
No. Students may take academic courses for credit if they are in the University Preparation Program (UPP) - levels 3, 4 and 5, for no extra charge if they have a minimum of a ‘B’ average. Also, all English language students who graduate from the University Preparation Program with a ‘C’ or higher grade will receive 3 transfer credits toward their university programs.
- How do I know which English level to take?
When you arrive at VIU, you will do an English Language Assessment if your first language is not English or you do not meet the criteria noted above. The results of this assessment will determine the correct level for you.
- Can I get a Letter of Acceptance into the academic program that I choose if I do not have a high enough English/academic level?
Yes. Vancouver Island University will give you a ‘Conditional’ Letter of Acceptance into an academic program until you complete the English Language Certificate program; get the appropriate TOEFL/IELTS/CAEL/Cambridge test score; and/or complete the appropriate upgrading classes in order to enter the academic program you are considering.
- How do I apply for a Study Permit?
Click here to apply for a Study Permit and follow the instructions. Take or mail the VIU Letter of Acceptance and other required documentation and fees, with your application, to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your home. This process may take between one day and six months, depending on the workload of the Embassy, and whether you require a medical examination or interview. Students who are already in Canada may visit the Canadian Embassy in Seattle, U.S., but only if s/he is eligible for a U.S. visa, or if the student does not require a visa to enter the U.S.
If you are an American citizen or permanent resident, you need a student authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to study in Canada. Upon acceptance into a Canadian university, you may apply for your student authorization at a CIC office in the U.S., or at any Canadian port of entry (border crossing).
- What if my Study Permit is denied?
A full refund of all tuition fees paid to VIU (less the non-refundable application fee and activity fees) will be issued if a student has been denied a Study Permit by Canadian authorities. Official documentation from the Canadian Embassy/Consulate, the original Letter of Acceptance issued by VIU, and a written request for withdrawal and refund must be submitted to the Director of International Admissions no later than 30 calendar days after the initial term start.
- Can I get a Study Permit for Part-time Courses?
Study Permits are not required for general courses that are six months or less; however, you must possess a valid Temporary Resident Visa. Students registered in a Part-time program that leads to a credential can and must obtain a Study Permit.
- Do I need a Study Permit to study an on-line/distance course?
No. If the entire program is on-line, and you do not need to come to our campus to complete the courses, you do not need a Study Permit.
- I am a student from the U.S. Am I an international student?
Yes. If you are not a Canadian citizen or a Landed Immigrant, you are regarded as an international student. American students are normally advised to take appropriate identification (passport preferred) along with their letters of offer and acceptance with them to the port of entry, and are normally granted a Study Permit on entry to Canada. This is not the case for students from any other country who must apply for a Study Permit at the Canadian Embassy or consulate in their country.
- Can international students work?
Yes. Each semester, VIU has positions available for over 300 students to work on campus, and international students are eligible to apply for these jobs for up to 20 hours per week. Most of these positions are in areas such as library assistant, clerical assistant in academic faculties, math or writing centre support, computer lab monitor, gymnasium assistant. The Centre for International Education also hires several students each semester for support at the Centre.
While studying at Vancouver Island University, international academic students on study permits (not English language students, exchange or Malaspina High School students) are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week while studying. These students are also eligible to work full-time during scheduled breaks including the 4 month summer vacation and 3 week winter vacation. Students interested in the program are encouraged to read the the
Student Fact Sheet and the 
Employer Fact Sheet.
Further information for both students and employers can be found at:
www.learnlivebc.ca/off-campus-work/welcome.htm and further details for students at:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-opps.html
After graduation from an academic program 2 years in length or more, students are eligible to work anywhere outside of the Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal regions for up to 2 years. For students who graduated from a shorter academic program (from 8 months up to 2 years), or want to work in these 3 cities they can work for up to 1 year after graduation. For more information visit: www.cic.gc.ca.
- Where is Vancouver Island University?
We are on the West Coast of Canada on Vancouver Island in the city of Nanaimo. Vancouver Island has been rated the number one island destination in North America for visitors; Nanaimo is a city of 86,000 people centrally located on Vancouver Island – 20 minutes flying from Vancouver. or 90 minutes by fast ferry, and just a 90 minute drive from the provincial capital Victoria.
- How do I get to Nanaimo from overseas?
If you are coming from overseas, most students book their airline flights to Nanaimo Airport - YCD through Vancouver International Airport - YVR. It is a 20 minute connecting flight serviced primarily by Air Canada.
To get to Nanaimo from Nanaimo Airport takes about 20 minutes. If you have made Homestay/Peerstay arrangements, your family will meet you at the airport and take you back to your Homestay/Peerstay accommodations. If you are staying in on-campus residences, you can take the Nanaimo Airport Shuttle bus for a small fee (~$19), which goes to all major hotels and Vancouver Island University, or you can take a taxi which is a little more expensive (~$30 +) and will take you directly to your destination.
Nanaimo airport is small and the staff there are well trained to help students who need assistance.
- How do I get to Nanaimo from Vancouver?
Another option is to take the BC Ferries from either Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) or Tsawwassen (South West Vancouver). These ferries take passenger, busses and cars.
- What do I do when I get to Nanaimo?
Come to the Centre for International Education (Building 255) www.viu.ca/map/index.asp between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to let us know that you are here. We will confirm orientation times and locations.
- What is there to do at VIU?
At VIU, we enhance our international students’ experience by connecting students to the many social, cultural, and recreational activities taking place on and off campus.
International students can participate in many different social activities designed to help them meet other students, and enjoy their time studying at VIU. Click here for updated information on International Student activities.
Weekly Activities
- Coffee House Social with Canadian students
- Free Movie Fridays
- Free weekly sports activities in the gym
- Malaspina Mariner basketball and volleyball games
Seasonal Activities
- Halloween Party
- Multicultural Celebrations
- Canada Day
- National and International celebrations
Day Trips
Visit Victoria, Vancouver, and Long Beach for shopping, sightseeing, exploring British Columbia’s beautiful coast, and visit popular tourist sites. In winter, students have the opportunity to snowboard or ski at Mt. Washington, a 75 minute drive from VIU.
Fitness
VIU’s gymnasium also offers campus-wide activities and intra-mural sports programs, which are open to all students. These activities are a great way to get involved with campus life and meet new friends. Visit VIU’s Activity web site for details. www.viu.ca/campusrec
- What is Nanaimo like?
Nanaimo (www.tourismnanaimo.com) is a medium sized Canadian city of 86,000 centrally located on Vancouver Island, close to Vancouver and the capital city of Victoria. Nanaimo is friendly like a smaller town, but has all of the things that a bigger city has — great restaurants, nightlife, festivals and shopping. Nanaimo is located by the ocean so there are lots of great recreational opportunities like kayaking, sailing, swimming close by. It is also easy to get to either Vancouver or Victoria for day-trips and sightseeing. In the winter, it is a 1 hour drive to Mount Washington ski and snowboard area and world famous Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is less than 3 hours away.
- What is the weather like in Nanaimo?
Nanaimo has one of the mildest climates in Canada and is similar to Seattle or Vancouver. In the summer, average daytime temperatures are between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. In the winter there is more rain, but the daytime temperatures are normally between 3 and 6 degrees Celsius.