Length: 1 year (8-month)
Intake: September
Location Offered: Nanaimo Campus
The International University Foundation Year at Vancouver Island University (VIU) 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 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. If you are interested in continuing to a different undergraduate program at Vancouver Island University, email UniPath@viu.ca.
**This program does not offer scholarships at the moment.
- Minimum of 3 O-level subjects required with a grade above C. We will accept provisional results as long as we receive final results by August
- Minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent*
- Passport photo page
- For students aged 17 years or older by December 31 following a September enrollment
*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. Test results must be no older than 2 years.
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.
To meet the English language requirements for direct entry to the International University Foundation Year, students must have completed one of the following:
Test | Minimum score |
---|---|
TOEFL IBT | 79-93 |
IELTS (Academic) | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) |
Pearson (PTE) | 58-63 |
*Test results must be no older than 2 years
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
Parents and Students: 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 - December, and January - April.
This 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))
- VIU course*
* The VIU course will be chosen for you based on your individual student profile and VIU program choice.
Fee Type | Cost |
---|---|
Application fee | CAD $250 |
Administration fee | CAD $100 |
Tuition fees | CAD $20,000 |
Ancillary Fees | CAD $800 |
Medical Insurance | CAD $1,000 |
Books (estimate) | CAD $500-$600 |
- Fees are subject to change
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.
This package will include documents that you will need to submit to the Canadian High Commission for your study permit application. Learn how to apply for a study permit
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.