Length: 1.5 - 3 years
Intake: September
Location Offered: Nanaimo Campus
The International University Foundation with ESL at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is designed for international students who need to upgrade their academics and their English language proficiency to meet admission requirements for undergraduate studies at VIU. This is a full-time program with 25 to 40 hours of study required per week.
Upon successful completion, you are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration*, Bachelor of Science*, and Bachelor of Hospitality Management at Vancouver Island University. Email UniPath@viu.ca if you are interested in continuing to a different undergraduate program at Vancouver Island University.
- Minimum of 3 O-level subjects required with a grade above C or completion of a grade 11 graduation program not recognized as equivalent to grade 12 in British Columbia. We will accept provisional results as long as we receive final results by August
- Mandatory submission of an English language proficiency score, such as IELTS
- Passport photo page
- For students aged 17 years or older by December 31 following a September enrollment
The average student will obtain the following:
- Required university transition courses (to satisfy VIU's undergraduate pre-requisites)
- VIU English entrance requirement, which allows direct entry to VIU's undergraduate programs (as long as academic pre-requisites met)
- Skills for academic success
Open the True North application.
For Students and Parents
- Click Create Account. Fill in the requested Account Details. Click Create Account at the bottom of the page.
- Check your email inbox for an email that you will use to validate your new account.
- Sign into your account using the email address and password you provided.
- Click Create a New Application.
- From the drop down menu, select the program you are applying for.
Fill the remainder of the requested fields to create the application.
Students and Parents: Apply Now
For Agents
Sign into the site using the agent login details provided by our Administration office. If you have not been issued agent login details, please email UniPath@viu.ca.
Students in this program are welcome to explore the following options:
- Homestay (with or without meals)
- Student Residence
This program starts in September, and follows the university's academic calendar. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
The semester structure for the September intake will be:
September to December, and January to April.
Based on your English language proficiency, you will be enrolled in an ESL-only semester. After successfully completing ESL - University Preparation 4, you may begin your academic courses.
The academic program has a 2-semester structure. Students will take 3 courses per semester, which may include:
- English Studies
- Mathematics 11 and/ or Mathematics 12
- BC First People’s Studies
- University Success Skills
- Exploring and Developing Intercultural Competence (ICST 100 (3))
ESL-only semester
Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
Tuition fees | $5,100 |
Ancillary Fees | $400 |
Medical Insurance | $500 |
Books (estimate) | $250-$300 |
Academic semester
Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
Tuition fees | $10,000 |
Ancillary Fees | $400 |
Medical Insurance | $500 |
Books (estimate) | $250-$300 |
Additional fees apply for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
A Conditional Letter of Acceptance and invoice will be sent advising the total amount of tuition payable, and how and when to pay.
Once tuition fees are paid, we will send an Official Letter of Acceptance as well as further information about the program, orientation and living in Nanaimo.
International University Foundation Year
The International University Foundation Year at Vancouver Island University is an eight-month program designed for international students who need to complete a qualifying year in order to meet admission requirements for undergraduate studies at Vancouver Island University.