Vancouver Island University has been active in international education for many years. VIU has:
VIU has established formal ties and exchange programs with international institutions in countries such as Australia, China, England, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States of America.
VIU also offers MBA/MScIB programs in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, see viu.ca/mba.
General Information for International Students
Admission
Vancouver Island University accepts international students under one of the following conditions:
Admission to English Language Centre Programs
Admission to Undergraduate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Programs
English Language Requirements for Academic Programs
Admission to Post-Degree Diploma in Business Studies
Admission to MBA Program
Application Process
International students should follow these steps when applying to Vancouver Island University.
For most programs, applications are processed in two working days; an exception is the MBA programs where a committee reviews applications monthly.
VIU will send a letter of offer. If an e-mail address is provided on the application, this letter will be sent by e-mail.
The letter of offer contains information on payment of first installment of fees, and program start dates.
Once the first installment has been paid, VIU will issue an official letter of acceptance and information on arrival, budget samples, accommodation, and other helpful tips.
The letter of acceptance is required to apply for a study permit at a Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission.
English Language Centre
VIU’s English Language Centre offers courses focused on preparation for academic studies and communication. Students who are planning to enter academic programs and do not have the minimum test scores required for admission can take the VIU English Language Centre's University Preparation program. On arrival at VIU, international students will complete the Vancouver Island University English Language Placement Test. On successful completion of the top level of the English Academic Preparation program, international students may apply to academic programs at VIU. Students interested in learning spoken English can take the VIU English Language Centre's English Communication program.
Vancouver Island University reserves the right to limit the number of international students admitted to programs.
Fees
Tuition
Fees are paid on a semester basis, i.e., payment is required for the September, January, and May semesters. For up-to-date fees, please visit viu.ca/international/tuition.
Fee schedule (effective January 2012)
Application Fee: A $150 (Cdn) non-refundable Application Fee must accompany all applications for admission; applications will not be processed without this fee.
Note: Vancouver Island University reserves the right to change fees without notice.
Other Costs
International students are also responsible for such expenses as textbooks (except in the case of the MBA/MScIB programs where textbooks are included), housing, food and transportation costs, as well as required medical insurance.
Fee Payment
Students who are admissible will be advised to submit the first semester’s tuition and student program fees if applicable, the Homestay Placement Fee and Homestay Deposit, as well as a completed Homestay Profile form. Students who pay their fees by the deadline date will receive a formal Letter of Acceptance and a receipt for fees paid. The Letter of Acceptance must be submitted, along with the other required documentation, to the Canadian Embassy High Commission, or Consulate Visa Section.
Failure to pay the required fees by the deadline date will result in cancellation of the application for admission, and applicants will be required to re-apply and re-pay the non-refundable Application Processing Fee.
Tuition fees will not be pro-rated for students choosing to take less than a full program.
Refund Policy for International Students
New Applicants
New applicants may be eligible to apply for a refund in exceptional circumstances only. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Dean of International Education. The approval or rejection of a request for a refund will be determined based on the rationale provided in the submission. Any refunds will require the approval of the Dean of International Education. In no cases will the refund exceed 75% for tuition.
A student whose study permit is rejected will receive a full refund minus the Application Processing Fee. A copy of the letter of refusal from the Canadian Embassy High Commission, or Consulate Visa Section, must be received before the refund will be processed.
Current Students
Refunds for current students (excluding MBA programs) are:
International Student Support
VIU provides extensive support services for international students. Staff in the Richard W. Johnston Centre for International Education provide international students with information on VIU’s programs, orientation, medical, banking, recreation, social opportunities, and living in Canada. Each semester, social and recreational activities are arranged for international students, and they are also encouraged to become members of the University and the Nanaimo community.
VIU has a Peer Helper program in which international students who have been at VIU provide information and support to new international students. Contact VIU's Centre for International Education for details.
Homestay/Peerstay Program
The purpose of the Homestay/ Peerstay Program is to provide international students with a supportive and welcoming environment in a Canadian family's home. It is also an opportunity to learn and practice English. Host families are very valuable in helping students become familiar with Canadian customs and culture and introducing them to the Nanaimo community. All hosts have been carefully screened by the Vancouver Island University Homestay office.
We recommend that new international students spend at least their first semester in Nanaimo in homestay or peerstay.
Living in Homestay or Peerstay
When living in homestay students will have their own private bedroom, an area to study quietly, while sharing the rest of the house with family members. In homestay, food is provided by the family while cooking/meal preparation is shared by all family members. Students may be taught to make their own breakfast and lunch while family members prepare dinner. Most families share household chores.
Peerstay is the same except students will buy their own food, prepare all of their own meals and clean their own dishes.
Policy on International Students
Both the provincial Ministry of Advanced Education and the Vancouver Island University Board recognize their primary responsibility is to the education of British Columbians. Guidelines have been established to ensure international students benefit from the opportunity to study at VIU without restricting education for B.C. residents. Current guidelines suggest the following:
Where possible, international students will be admitted based on these guidelines. If VIU is unable to provide the educational opportunity requested, effort will be made to recommend an alternate institution.
International students must abide by the rules of the VIU Student Conduct Policy, which also covers homestay. Infractions may result in suspension.
For more information
Call us : +91 22 26403270 or 26403271
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