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

Cybercrime’s hidden toll: How online scams impact mental health

VIU student seeking participants for a study on the effect of cybercrime on emotional well-being.  Watching a friend fall victim to a cybercrime scam motivated...

VIU in the News: March 8, 2025

The Discourse’s International Women’s Day article featured several VIU community members who are making an impact in Nanaimo: the women's basketball team, Leah...

International Women’s Day

Dear VIU Community,  Today, on International Women’s Day 2025, we join people around the world in celebrating the achievements of women and reaffirming our...

Statement from Vancouver Island University on the non-confidence vote

Vancouver Island University (VIU) respects the right of faculty, students and staff to express their perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue about the...

Cowichan VIU Events

Mar
19

Wellness clinic at VIU Cowichan

Do you have 10–15 minutes to learn about your health? If so, stop by the Wellness Clinic hosted by the Healthy U Cowichan nursing students! This is a great…
Mar
19

BBA Information Session

Ready to level up your skills and curious about doing an BBA? Join us for an exclusive information session on VIU's BBA Program with the BBA and…
Mar
20

Early Childhood Education and Care Information Session

Want to make a positive difference in the lives of children?Join us at an upcoming (Teams) ECEC Information Session to find out more about the Early Childhood…
Mar
25

BBA Information Session

Ready to level up your skills and curious about doing an BBA? Join us for an exclusive information session on VIU's BBA Program with the BBA and…