Two students are sitting in a classroom, looking off into the distance and smiling

VIU Cowichan campus

At the Cowichan campus you’ll find dedicated faculty, small class sizes and close-knit community to support you in your academic success and well-being.

Browse programs and courses at Cowichan

Walking together

At the Cowichan campus small class sizes and hands-on learning creates real connections—with other students, with faculty, the community, and with the land. 

We focus on Q’ushin’tul (Walking Together). Q’ushin’tul is a Hul’qumi’num word that translates to Walking together. It's an Indigenous approach to education that promotes academic success and student well-being. 

"The spirit of Q'ushin'tul is to walk together in everything: education, employment, and life. At VIU we are walking together with students to create a balance of education and values based in indigenous ways of knowing and being." – VIU Elder Hwiem' (Marlene) Rice

Programs and Courses

Discover the programs and courses available at our Cowichan campus.

Cowichan Programs and Courses

Student Support Services

Learn about services available for students or connect with an advisor.

Cowichan Student Services

Cowichan Campus and Facilities

Learn about our campus and facilities.

Cowichan Campus

Find out what's new at the Cowichan campus

What's New

VIU News

VIU Professor Emerita re-translates All Quiet on the Western Front

Dr. Katharina Rout shares her thoughts about working on this classic novel For the past couple of years, professional translator Dr. Katharina Rout has been...

Severe weather closure notifications for the 2024-25 year

As today’s windstorm just reminded us, severe weather season is here.  This means from time to time, weather can disrupt campus operations. Before it does,...

VIU psychology professor researching conversation memory in children

The research has important implications for things like reliability of child witness testimony in the justice system. Have you ever been in the middle of...

VIU and community partners remember local fallen soldiers through video memorial

VIU video project acknowledges Nanaimo soldiers’ contributions to the First and Second World Wars. A Vancouver Island University (VIU) video memorial project...

Cowichan VIU Events

Nov
5

Geography & Geoscience Labour Market Round Table

Connect with geography and geoscience professionals and employers to learn about working the industry. Students will have the opportunity to hear from…
Nov
5

Esthetics Program Open House

Join us to celebrate the Esthetic's program new home!We're excited to announce our move from the Parksville campus to the Nanaimo campus where we now share a…
Nov
6

Biometric Clinic

Looking to take charge of your health? The VIU HealthyU nursing students are holding a biometric clinic on November 6 at the Cowichan Campus, from 10 am to 2…
Nov
6

Positive Space Alliance Socials

VIU’s Positive Space Alliance socials are back for the fall semester! Join us for a fun, inclusive space open to everyone of any sexual orientation and gender…