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

Creating holiday magic – volunteers bring cherished holiday tradition to life

Stories from Milner Christmas Magic volunteers and staff. Each year, Milner Gardens & Woodland transforms into a dazzling wonderland thanks to the...

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign creates pathways for students in need

VIU’s eleventh annual campaign features an online auction and opportunities to have donations matched. ­­Students in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s)...

16 Days of Activism campaign honours differences and shared struggles

What: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence When: November 25 to December 10, various dates and times Where: Vancouver Island University Nanaimo...

Alum of the Month: Stephen Hextall

Getting involved in extracurricular groups while attending university can change your educational journey.  VIU alum Stephen Hextall experienced this for...

Cowichan VIU Events

Nov
26

From Research to Real-World Impact: Building Leadership in Academia

Join the Student Leadership Circle (SLC) Workshop!  "From Research to Real-World Impact: Building Leadership in Academia"!  Discover how to…
Nov
26

VIU Portfolio Night (In Person)

VIU Portfolio Night - In PersonIf you are interested in VIU's Visual Arts, Graphic Design or Interior Design program, you may have noticed applying to their…
Nov
27

Esthetics Program Student Spa Clinic

The VIU Student Spa Clinic located on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus. Our clinic is a teaching facility, where students enrolled in the…
Nov
27

WorldVIU Days

WorldVIU Days is VIU's annual celebration of cultural diversity on campus. The event series raises awareness and builds appreciation for the cultural…