Tuition

The Tuition Fee Schedule lists the fees for VIU courses and programs.

Student Activity Fee

A Student Activity fee, equivalent to four (4) percent of tuition, is assessed at the time of enrolment. The fee is non-refundable and applies to both full-time and part-time students. Students enrolled in certain Professional Development and Training courses are exempt from paying this fee. The fees are collected to administer campus recreation activities and athletic programs for students. Each student who pays a Student Activity Fee is eligible to participate in outdoor recreation, athletic, intramural and fitness programs, as well as to use the Gym.

Student Services Fee

The Student Services fee is assessed at the time of enrolment on a per-credit basis. The fee is non-refundable and applies to both full-time and part-time students. Students enrolled in certain Professional Development and Training courses are exempt from paying this fee. This fee was created to provide additional benefits for students in three areas: health and well-being, experiential learning and access to technology.

Students’ Union Fees

Students’ Union and other membership fees are collected by the University and distributed to the Navigator Newspaper, Radio Malaspina, Canadian Federation of Students, and the VIU Students’ Union. Students democratically set all fees collected through the bylaws of each organization. For more information, please contact the VIU Students’ Union at 250.754.8866.

Fee Payment Schedule

The following information is for most university academic program students. Students in some programs may have a different payment schedule that requires a larger deposit or an earlier deposit; these students are notified separately.

Fall 2024

August 31: Fees due for new international students

September 3: First day of the Fall Semester

September 16: Last day for full withdrawal from Fall Semester with 90% refund

September 16: Last day for partial withdrawal from Fall Semester with 100% refund for individual courses. (Must remain enrolled in other courses).

September 17: Fall Semester fees due and calculated based on course enrolment as of this date

September 18: Any unpaid Fall Semester fees will be assessed a 5% late payment fee

October 15: Last day for overdue Fall Semester fees to be paid to avoid deregistration from Fall Semester courses

If you are unable to pay your fees, please contact our Cashier at 250.740.6236 immediately to avoid having your account turned over to our collection agent.

Fee Payment through Scholarships or Bursaries - including B.C. "Passports to Education"

Mail or bring in the original of each letter you have received from an award donor. If the total amount of your award is less than the fees owed, please pay the balance by one of the methods detailed in the section "How to Pay Your Tuition Deposit".

If you have been awarded a tuition scholarship or award from Vancouver Island University, please note that funds in the amount of the award will be transferred to your tuition account by the end of the second week of classes (before the tuition due date).

Fee Payment through Sponsorship

If your education is sponsored by a government Ministry, First Nations band council or other agency, we require a sponsor letter which outlines the terms of the sponsorship. This letter, on the sponsor's letterhead, must cover the total fee assessment and be received by the Finance Department by January 1st for the Spring semester, and September 15th for the Fall semester (if your sponsor is paying your tuition deposit, confirmation must be received by the deposit deadline.) The sponsor letter must include the following information:

  • student's name and program of study;
  • sponsor's name, address and telephone number;
  • name of contact person;
  • duration of sponsorship (Fall and/or Spring semesters);
  • whether books and supplies are part of the sponsorship agreement;
  • by sponsorship - it is your responsibility to ensure that your sponsorship letter is on record with the Registration Centre prior to the above deadlines.

Have your sponsor fax the letter to 250.740.6535, drop it off to the Cashiers in building 200, email it to acctsrec@viu.ca or mail it to:

Finance Department
Vancouver Island University
900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

If your sponsor letter is not received in time, you will be responsible for payment of fees, including your tuition deposit, in-full and on-time. Failure to do so may result in late payment fees and removal from all courses.

Any questions concerning sponsorship should be directed to VIU's Accounts Receivable department at 250.740.6235. 

For more information about sponsorship, read Sponsoring a Student.