Vancouver Island University

Academic workload

International students must be enrolled as full-time students at VIU for the duration of their studies. Full-time student status is defined as being enrolled in a minimum 9 credits which is normally 3 courses.

Minimum: 3 courses (9 credits)

Maximum: 5 courses (15 credits)

Full course load: 5 courses (15 credits)

Academic calendar

September - December, January - April

Tuition fee

No tuition fee for exchange students going through our exchange programmes.

As an exchange student from a VIU exchange partner university, tuition fees are waived up to 15 credits (usually 5 courses). Students who enroll in more than 15 credits are responsible for paying tuition for each additional credit they are registered in.

Number of student places

Number of exchange places and tuition waivers available are decided on an annual basis by application to the network.

Housing

Students can apply for both on- and off-campus housing. See here for more information about student housing.
Note that some of these options may have application deadlines that are several months in advance of your arrival.

Cost of living

For information about fees and living expenses, see here.

Admission requirements

Students must have completed one year of university level studies, equivalent to 60 ECTS.

Language requirements

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.

Most common tests & minimum score requirements:
- TOEFL IBT = 88 (no section below 20)
- IELTS (Academic) = 6.5 (no band below 6.0)

All inbound students are subject to mandatory Medical Insurance (Guard.Me) = $249.50 per semester

Students may need to get a study permit/ visa. Please check the requirements based on your nationality. Here you can find more information about documentation needed.