VIU is pleased to have over 20 Exchange partner institutions around the world. Through our agreements, we provide opportunities for students to expand their perspectives by studying abroad on exchange for 1 to 2 semesters, and for students from our partners to join us at VIU's Nanaimo campus.
UMAP Consortium
About: University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (MAP) is a consortium of Higher Education Institutions and partners, collaborating to increase opportunities for study abroad across the Asia Pacific region. UMAP promotes student exchanges among more than 220 active colleges and universities in 24 countries/territories in Asia and the Pacific Rim; striving to facilitate greater understanding of member countries’ cultures, economies, and societies through collaborative partnerships and increased exchange activities.
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: Variable
Member Countries include:
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Laos
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Philippines
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- USA
- Vietnam
Learn more about partner institutions and the programs available by visiting the full Member Directory
Application Timeline: Procedures for UMAP differ slightly to other VIU Exchange partners. Please review the specific steps for a UMAP application.
UMAP Funding: UMAP-Canada scholarships of $10,200 - $14,700 are available to Canadian citizen students of Canadian UMAP member institutions to study at UMAP member institutions in other countries. Application is by invitation only. Students must apply and be accepted to a UMAP physical exchange program.
To be eligible for scholarship consideration, all program applications must be made through USCO platform. Eligible students will be contacted by the UMAP International Secretariat with scholarship application details.
Learn more about UMAP Funding for more information.
China
Zhejiang Ocean University
City: Zhoushan
About: An Oceanic institution of higher learning with important influence on both home and abroad marine life. They have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize of National Science and Technology Progress and National Science Congress.
Location: Located in the urban area of Zhoushan Archipelago New Area which is the first state-level new area featuring marine economy. This is China's largest archipelago, having 1339 islands and many being inhabited. The city itself has a population of one million and is located 135 sea-miles south of Shanghai City.
Program: Chinese language and culture courses
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: September through to June
Learn more about Zhejiang Ocean University
Additional Information:
- Possible opportunity for free lodging in exchange for joining the English club on a weekly basis and providing teaching assistant support in the English language department.
- Exchange students are subject to a health exam fee of approximately 400RMB (~$70-80 CAD).
- Zhejiang Ocean University Presentation
Japan
J.F. Oberlin University
City: Machida
About: Highly integrative programs to ensure incoming international students are immersed with Japanese culture. An opportunity to learn and experience Japan in a supportive environment. Many opportunities provided to get more involved with clubs on campus and meet local students.
Location: The main campus is located in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo. Approximately 50km from the city center of Tokyo, which is only a train trip away. Also within travel distance by train is various mountains and beaches. Machida is a youthful area with an economy geared towards university students.
Program: The Reconnaissance Japan Program offers Japanese language and other academic courses (offered in English)
Length: 1 or 2 semesters (Fall semester goes until the end of January)
Semesters: August - January, March - August
For more information about J.F. Oberlin University, explore Reconnaissance Japan Program or the J.F. Oberlin University online brochure.
Rikkyo University
City: Ikebukuro and Niiza, Tokyo Metropolitan Area
About: Founded 1874, Rikkyo University (also known as St. Paul’s University) is known as one of the most prestigious private universities in Japan, according to the Toyo Keizai Research Center and has been ranked 14th amongst Japanese universities (7th of private universities) in the 2019 World University Rankings compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), a specialist higher education magazine in the U.K. Rikkyo University is known for its affluent academic resources and student support. The student population is small compared to other major private universities, and there is an active interaction among faculty, staff, and students. Rikkyo values personal care and support.
Location: Tokyo’s Ikebukuro area is most commonly associated with anime and manga culture—two quintessential factors of the “Cool Japan” brand—but the area is also home to many traditional Japanese culture highlights such as shrines, temples, and rakugo (comedic storytelling) venues.
Program: In principle, all undergraduate colleges except the Law School are open to Exchange students.
Ikebukuro Campus: Arts, Economics, Sociology, Law and Politics, Science, Business, Intercultural Communication
Niiza Campus: Psychology, Community and Human Services, Tourism, Sport and Wellness
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: Spring (April - July); Fall (September - February)
Additional Information: For more information about Rikkyo University, explore the Rikkyo University online brochure for Exchange students.
Korea
Chung Ang University
City: Seoul
About: A leading national institute for higher education for nearly 100 years for high quality college education and research activities. Acclaimed as the hub for “Korean Cultural Wave” through its arts programs.
Location: Seoul is the 10th largest city in the world and the center for political, economic and cultural activities in Korea. The city is built around the Han River and is surrounded by mountains.
Programs:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Business and Economics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Arts
Courses offerings can change up to classes starting, so this exchange is best for students looking for a great place to study, but who are flexible in what they take.
Learn more about Chung Ang University available courses
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: March–June, September–December
For more information about Chung Ang University, explore Incoming Exchange Student and their Inbound Exchange Fact Sheet.
Australia
University of Canberra
City: Canberra
(Bruce Campus)
About: The University of Canberra has been ranked in the world’s top 100 young universities by Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings.
Location: Located in the capital city of Australia, Canberra is ranked the most livable city in the world. Only a 3 hour bus to Sydney, 2.5 hour bus to the Coast or Mountains for snowboarding or skiing in the winter. The University is where city meets park, surrounded by natural landscape and wildlife. There are even resident kangaroos living on the campus grounds.
Programs:
- Art and Design
- Business, Government and Law
- Education, Science, Technology and Math
- Health
For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information
Length: 1 semester
Semesters: February–June, July–November
For more information about The University of Canberra, explore Incoming Exchange Students, Partner Fact Sheet and Partner Study Abroad Guide.
Victoria University
City: Melbourne
Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2023
About: The University of Victoria has been recognized in the top 4% of Universities by QS World University Rankings.
Location: Located in the South-Eastern part of Australia with a population of 4.3 million, Melbourne is ranked one of the world’s most livable cities and second-most student friendly city. The cosmopolitan city is characterized as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia.
Programs:
- Arts
- Business
- Education
- Engineering and Science
- Health and Biomedicine
- Law and Justice
- Sport and Exercise Science
For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: February-June, July-November
For more information about Victoria University, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet.
England
University of Birmingham
City: Birmingham
About: The University of Birmingham is a Top 100 Global institution, Top 15 in the UK, comprehensive institution part of the Russell Group. Many of our programmes for UG include a compulsory year of study abroad on exchange, so my team and I manage a range of 300+ global exchange partners including 50 US partners and 20+ in Canada, meaning that every year we receive over 700 incoming exchange students.
Location: Birmingham, second largest city of the United Kingdom and a metropolitan borough in the West Midlands metropolitan county. It lies near the geographic centre of England, at the crossing points of the national railway and motorway systems.
Program:
- College of Social Science boasts a Triple Crown Business School, a School of Government including International Development and Politics and International Relations
- College of Arts and Law also offers a strong portfolio, including a top Law School offering LLM and LLB programmes open to incoming exchanges students: Undergraduate study - University of Birmingham
- One of the best dedicated Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences School, which facilitate multi-disciplinary education
- EPS (Engineering and Physical Sciences)
- LES (Life and Environmental Sciences)
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: Late-September-December, January-June
Why choose Birmingham:
- Traditional Red Brick British University with strong academic ranking, Top 100 Global institution (QS) Top 15 in the UK
- Magnificent Campus Location and facilities
- Guaranteed accommodation on campus for incoming exchange students
- Lower cost of living than London yet 110 minutes by direct train – UoB also has its own train station linking the university to Birmingham International Airport in 35 minutes
For more information about the University of Hertfordshire, explore Studying Abroad at UoB and the Partner Fact Sheet.
University of Hertfordshire
City: Hatfield
About: The University of Hertfordshire is ranked in the Top 150 under 50 in the world by Times Higher Education. The University has also received recognition for being in the top 20% of the world’s most international universities.
Location: Located in the town of Hatfield, only twenty minutes away by train to London. Surrounded by English countryside, The University of Hertfordshire is one of the safest campuses in the East of England.
Program:
- Humanities
- Engineering and Technology
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Life and Medical Sciences
- Health and Social Work
- Computer Science
- Law
- Physics, Astronomy & Mathematics
- Education
Learn more about University of Hertfordshire Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: Late-September-January, February-June
For more information about the University of Hertfordshire, explore Incoming Exchange Students
Learn more about Brexit
Further information can be found on the Partner Fact Sheet
France
Burgundy School of Business
City: Dijon
About: The University prides itself by offering an international experience, with a community that is 30% international students and 35% of faculty are international professors. Courses are offered in English but attending this University offers the chance to improve your French language skills. BSB prides itself with small class sizes, theory put into practice, follow-up with your progress and international student support to provide an enjoyable academic experience.
Location: Dijon is one of the most preserved historic centers with beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Europe, only two hours by train to Paris. Surrounded by Burgundy vineyards and famous for gastronomy and wine, Dijon is one of the most desirable cities in France for quality of life.
Program: Business*
*Introduction year is open to students without prior business knowledge
Learn more about Burgundy School of Business Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: September-December, January - May
For more information about the Burgundy School of Business, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet
Germany
CBS International Business School
City: Cologne or Mainz
About: A campus community that is made up of students and professors from around the world creating a diverse cultural experience. The University focuses on providing experience and developing skills to help in a career in the future.
Location: Students may study in one of two campuses in Mainz or Cologne.
Cologne: The lively metropolis of Cologne has more than 2000 years’ history and a population of more than one million, and lies in the heart of Europe: The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are literally just around the corner. Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris can be reached quickly by train at the weekend.
Mainz: Mainz is home to several universities and enjoys great popularity as a vibrant student city. More than 40,000 students live in Mainz, centrally located in the Rhine-Main area, and equally appreciate the range of the urban environment and tranquility of the Rhine-Hessian surroundings.
Programs:
- International Business
- Intercultural Management
- International Tourism Management
- Digital Media Management
- Business Psychology
- General Management
Learn more about CBS International Business School Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: August - December, January - May
For more information about the Cologne Business School, explore Incoming Exchange Students, Cologne Campus Partner Fact Sheet and Mainz Campus Partner Fact Sheet.
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
City: Frankfurt
About: Home to one of Germany’s largest Finance faculties. All courses offered have three aspects to them; high standards, diversity and practice orientation to help prepare for a career in the future. Language initiatives are taken to help incoming students learn German.
Location: Frankfurt is Germany’s most international city, with the largest financial center in Europe and transportation center. Being centrally located in Germany, with ample transportation options, Frankfurt allows for easy access to travel. With one of the lowest average population ages in Germany, Frankfurt is a student’s city.
Programs:
- Finance
- Management
- Economics
- Legal Studies & Ethics
- Accounting
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: September - January, March - June
For more information about the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet
Ireland
University College Cork
City: Cork
Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2023
About: Founded in 1845, University College Cork currently has a student population of approximately 21,000 students.
Location: Cork is located in south-west Ireland in the province of Munster.
Programs:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business
- Health & Human Services
- Mathematics
- Sciences
Learn more about University College Cork course information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: September to December, January to May
Learn more about the University College Cork and Partner Fact Sheet
Please note: Visiting/Exchange students are not permitted to work in Ireland while studying due to the immigration policy currently in place.
Netherlands
Hogeschool Utrecht
City: Utrecht
About: Offers a variety of opportunities to enrich student’s experiences such as social, cultural and sporting activities. Courses are available in English along with small class sizes and an emphasis on practical learning experiences.
Location: Utrecht is located in the heart of the Netherlands. With a small medieval city center, to a city that is transforming and growing, the Dutch canals weave throughout the city. A real student city, with students from all around the world studying in one place making it a very vibrant place to live.
Programs:
- Business
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: February - June, September - January, Summer Semester* June - August
For more information about Hogeschool Utrecht, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet
*Want to study during the summer? Consider courses offered at Hogeschool Utrecht Summer School (cost of tuition will be deducted off the program fee since these can be taken as part of an exchange program)
Breda University of Applied Sciences
City: Breda
About: Founded in 1966 as an institution for management in tourism and leisure, and to date is the largest and leading institution in this field. Offering courses in English for the hundreds incoming exchange students that study there each year.
Location: Breda is located in the south of the Netherlands, a short distance from Amsterdam and Brussels. It is a historical city but also a youthful city with many cultural and social activities for students.
Programs:
- Hotel and Facility Management
- Tourism and Leisure
Learn more about Breda University of Applied Sciences Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: August - December, February - July
For more information about BUAS, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet
North2North - Norway, Sweden, Iceland and more
UArctic North2North
Sweden, Norway, Iceland
About: By participating on exchange to the North there are opportunities to make a meaningful impact to human capacity in Northern regions. Participating on exchange in the North aims to provide you with competencies and experience that can benefit your professional and/or academic plans. Choose a partner institution from one of ten countries in the program. Most VIU students select from institutions in Sweden, Norway or Iceland.
Learn more about partner institutions and the programs available.
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: Aug - Dec/Jan and Jan/Feb - June
Additional Information: Some destinations on this list do not have a local (Vancouver) consulate and travel to the nearest Canadian consulate to obtain a visa/residence permit may be required. Travel expenses to acquire a visa are the responsibility of the student.
The north2north Northern Canada program will provide some grants of up to $6000 to students who are studying at a north2north member institution in Canada outside of Canada's northern region. Students who are studying subjects relevant to Arctic, Indigenous or Northern Circumpolar Programs will be prioritized.
Learn more about the UArctic North2North Program
Norway
Nord University
City: Bodø
About: A University that emphasizes connecting in the community with businesses, professionals and leaders in various industries, to further the education of its students. With locations in Central and Northern Norway, and advanced teaching and research facilities, Nord University provides many opportunities for its diverse student population.
Location: Bodø is located on a peninsula in Northern Norway, just above the Polar Circle. In the winter, you can view the northern lights from the pier or from the mountain just outside the city center. The backdrop to the city is vast skies and mountain ranges, which provide opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Programs:
- Sociology
- Aquatic Biosciences
- Practical Knowledge
- Business Administration
- Health and Nursing
- Education and Teacher Education
- International and Culture Studies
For further course information, explore the Nord University Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: February- June, August- December
For more information about Nord University, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Nord University Fact Sheet
Norwegian School of Sport Science
City: Oslo
We are excited to announce the Norwegian School of Sport Science as a new exchange partner university!
Read VIU's media release about VIU Students to Benefit From Norwegian Collaboration in Outdoor Studies
About: The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH) is a specialized university. NIH holds a national responsibility to provide higher education and scientific research in its corresponding fields.
Location: Sognsvann, Oslo
Program:
- Outdoor Studies
- Sport Management and Coaching
- Sport Biology and Health
- Sport & Sustainability
- Sport Marketing
- Performance Management
Learn more about Norwegian School of Sport Science Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: August-December, January-June
For more information, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet
University of South Eastern Norway
City: Bo
We are excited to announce the University of South Eastern Norway as a new exchange partner university!
Read VIU's media release about VIU Students to Benefit From Norwegian Collaboration in Outdoor Studies
About: The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) is Norway’s fourth largest university. We offer professional - and business - focused educational programmes, research and knowledge dissemination to high international standards for approximately 18,000 students.
Location: Bo
Program:
- Arts & Music
- Business, Management and Information Systems
- Health & Social Work
- Language, Culture, & History
- Law & Social Science
- Engineering & Maritime Sciences
- Natural Science, Nature, and the Environment
- Sports & Outdoor Life
- Summer School (International Marketing/Management)
Learn more about University of South Eastern Norway Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: August–December, January–June
For more information, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet.
Spain
Universidad de Huelva
City: Huelva
About: A University that offers experiential learning in academics, social, cultural and sporting activities. Courses are available in English with additional opportunities to take Spanish classes in order to learn the language.
Location: Huelva is located in the South-West part of Spain, with Portugal located to the West. Only a short distance away is 120km of beach coastline.
Programs:
- Education
- Social Work
- Humanities
- Law
- Business
- Experimental Sciences
- Nursing
- Engineering
Length: 1 semester
Semesters: February-May, September-January
For more information about Universidad de Huelva, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet
Barbados
University of the West Indies
City: Barbados (Cave Hill Campus)
About: The university promises to deliver “The Best Student Experience,” a learning experience that engages the best and the brightest, challenging them to meet higher standards in the classroom and beyond. Encourages all aspects of development; intellectual, physical, social and cultural.
Location: Located on the Caribbean Island of Barbados, where there is an opportunity to experience the beaches, underground caves and colourful flora. A highlight of living on the island is the friendliness of the locals and learning their culture.
Programs:
- Humanities and Education
- Law
- Medical Sciences
- Science and Technology
- Social Sciences
For further course information, explore University of the West Indies Course Information
Length: 1 or 2 semesters
Semesters: September - December, January - April
For more information about University of the West Indies, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet.
UMAP Consortium
About: University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (MAP) is a consortium of Higher Education Institutions and partners, collaborating to increase opportunities for study abroad across the Asia Pacific region. UMAP promotes student exchanges among more than 220 active colleges and universities in 24 countries/territories in Asia and the Pacific Rim; striving to facilitate greater understanding of member countries’ cultures, economies, and societies through collaborative partnerships and increased exchange activities.
Latin American Locations:
- Chile
- Colombia
- Mexico
Learn more about partner institutions and the programs available by visiting the full Member Directory
UMAP Funding: UMAP-Canada scholarships are available to Canadian citizen students of Canadian UMAP member institutions to study at UMAP member institutions in other countries. Application is by invitation only. Students must apply and be accepted to a UMAP physical or virtual exchange program.
To be eligible for scholarship consideration, all program applications must be made through USCO platform. Eligible students will be contacted by the UMAP International Secretariat with scholarship application details.
Learn more about UMAP funding