Vancouver Island University

Study at Vancouver Island University in Canada

Ask a graduate student why they choose Vancouver Island University (VIU), and the answer often comes down to personalized learning, practical education, smaller class sizes, and a supportive academic community. Vancouver Island University, established in 1969 as Malaspina College and becoming a university in 2008, is a public university in British Columbia with its main campus in Nanaimo. VIU offers graduate programs in business and education, with a strong emphasis on applied learning, professional development, faculty support, and connections with the communities and industries of Vancouver Island.

As your trusted education and visa partner, ApplyCan guides students through Vancouver Island University's application, program selection, scholarship, and visa process from start to finish. Below is everything you need to know before applying.

📍 Vancouver Island University Campuses

VIU operates three coastal campuses in British Columbia, with the Nanaimo Campus serving as the main location for most university-level and graduate studies.

• Main Graduate Campus: Nanaimo, British Columbia

🌟 Why VIU for International Students?

• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Available for eligible programs and study formats

• Internships & Applied Learning: Available in selected graduate programs

• Graduate Scholarships & Funding: Graduate awards and funding opportunities available for eligible students

VIU offers a personalized graduate learning environment, with its MBA featuring a paid 16-week internship, an applied business project, industry mentorship, and career coaching. The university's graduate programs also emphasize practical learning, research, professional development, and close interaction with faculty.

💰 Tuition Fees & Upcoming Intakes

VIU's international graduate tuition varies according to the program and number of credits. For 2026–27, the international tuition rate for the MBA is CAD $771.12 per credit, resulting in approximately CAD $52,436 in tuition for the 68-credit program before mandatory student fees and other expenses.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Approximately CAD $52,436 in tuition for the full 20-month program

• Master of Education: Approximately CAD $21,000+ in tuition for the 30-credit program, before additional fees

• Upcoming Intakes: September and January for selected graduate programs. Note: Program availability, delivery format, and application deadlines vary by program.

📝 Eligibility & English Proficiency Requirements

For admission to VIU's graduate programs, applicants generally require a recognized bachelor's degree with a minimum B average in the final two years of study. Program-specific requirements may include relevant work experience, a résumé, statement of intent, references, or other supporting documents.

• Most Graduate Programs: IELTS Academic 6.5 Overall (No band below 6.0) | PTE Academic 60+ | TOEFL iBT 88+

• Duolingo English Test: 115+ with no band below 105

• Other Accepted Tests: CAEL 60+ | Cambridge English 176+

• MBA: Minimum one year of work experience is required and no GMAT is required.

🎓 Top Graduate Programs & Career Support

Vancouver Island University currently offers master's degrees primarily in business and education, with a strong focus on professional and applied learning.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): A 20-month, in-person program combining leadership, marketing, economics, sustainability, technology, and data analytics. Students complete a 16-week paid internship, an applied business project, and receive industry mentorship and career coaching.

• Master of Education in Educational Leadership: Designed for practicing and aspiring education leaders, this program combines educational leadership, research, policy, administration, and practical leadership development. Full-time and part-time options are available.

• Master of Education in Special Education: A two-year master's program focused on special education, assessment, responsive teaching, inclusive learning, and evidence-based educational practices. Full-time and part-time study options are available.

• Graduate Learning Environment: VIU's cohort-based approach encourages close faculty interaction, collaborative learning, applied projects, and professional networking throughout graduate study.

• Career Support: VIU provides career advising, résumé and cover-letter support, interview preparation, job-search resources, employer connections, networking opportunities, career development workshops, and internship guidance.

Ready to Apply to Vancouver Island University?

With September and January entry options available across selected graduate programs and program-specific application deadlines, students are encouraged to begin their application early. Start your application through ApplyCan today to get your profile evaluated and receive guidance on graduate program selection, admission, scholarships, and visa processing.