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

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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

New farming courses provide science-based and practical learning

VIU’s Cowichan campus piloting three micro-credential certificates for farmersAre you curious about the science behind sustainable farming and gardening…

Researchers asking Cowichan region residents how they feel about tourism

Residents aged 15 and older can share their thoughts in an online survey. The number of visitors to Vancouver Island has nearly recovered to pre-pandemic…

Cowichan VIU Events

Feb
3

Dispersed Teacher Education program Information Session

VIU’s Faculty of Education is launching a new teacher education program in September 2026. Graduates of the Dispersed Teacher Education Program (DTEP) earn an…
Feb
3

VIU Culinary Arts Info Session

Join us for an exciting information session to learn more about the Culinary Arts at Vancouver Island University in Cowichan & Nanaimo, BC! Discover…
Feb
4

VIU & BorderPass: Applying for a Study Permit

Getting your study permit is an important step as a new international student at Vancouver Island University (VIU). To make your border crossing into Canada…
Feb
10

Meet VIU for Future Students

Join us to learn more about what Vancouver Island University has to offer.   chat with our friendly recruiters get program information learn about the…