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Vancouver Island University

Recruiting Information

Welcome to VIU Mariners Athletics

Seventeen CCAA National Championships and 64 PACWEST Conference Provincial Championships in Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball since 1983

Mariners Student-Athletes are ready to go! Photo by Vancouver Sports Pictures

Are you ready to become a Mariner? VIU Athletics is committed to building champions through academic achievement, athletic excellence and national recognition of our student athletes, teams and programs. We provide our student-athletes with all the necessary tools for them to be champions in their sport and life.

It is the view of the department that the athletic experience is an integral part of the educational process. The primary concern of our program revolves around academic scholarship and the realization of personal and professional goals of our students and athletes.

VIU Mariners Athletics emphasizes the health benefits which are derived from athletic participation in athletic activities and a healthy competitive experience. We also recognizes the ability of sport to provide opportunities for socialization and a healthy environment for all students in providing a balanced university lifestyle.

For more information on life as a VIU Mariner, student-athlete supports, and more, read our Student-Athlete Handbook.

Coaching Staff
Mariner coaches are all fully certified by the National Coaching Certification Program. They are leaders in our community and have been frequently recognized by the PACWEST and the CCAA for their excellence. The Mariner coaching staff is committed to the student athletes and their development as athletes and scholars.

For information on trying out for a particular team, please contact the appropriate coach by email through our staff directory.

How to Become a VIU Student

Your first step to becoming a VIU Mariner is to become a VIU student. We know that you may have a lot of questions about academic programs, application details and deadlines, tuition, registration dates, and more. The VIU Office of Future Students is here to help.

Check out VIU's 'How to become a student' information page. This page includes links to advisors and recruiters who are happy to answer any of your questions.

When you are ready to apply, submit your application online (domestic and international students). We can't wait to welcome you to the Island!

The VIU Advantage

Vancouver Island University is an excellent choice for many reasons.

  • Small classes with experienced and highly-qualified instructors
  • Wide variety of academic disciplines and trades programs (masters programs, bachelor degrees, diplomas, and certificates)
  • Experience "Island life" in a mid-size coastal city (pop. 100,000) with plenty of amenities and access to recreation and travel
  • Students are able to earn a post-secondary education at a reasonable cost
  • Social and sports facilities that students expect in a top quality university
  • We succeed because we want our students to succeed!

VIU student-athletes study in a wide range of programs, but a majority enroll in Kinesiology, Tourism & Recreation, Business Management, Arts & Humanities, Science, Nursing, and Education programs. 

Nanaimo Campus
The Nanaimo campus is located on a spectacular 110 acre site on the lower slopes of Mount Benson and overlooks the city of Nanaimo, the Salish Sea, and the Coast Mountains on the B.C. Mainland. Noteworthy features of the campus include:

  • Multi-use gymnasium with weight room
  • Two cafeterias
  • A 294-seat theatre
  • Well-equipped library
  • Art studios and an art gallery
  • Science labs and a fish hatchery
  • Modern mechanic and welding shop facilities
  • Student residences amd an active student life team
  • Two picturesque Japanese gardens donated by Tamagawa University and Okayma Women’s College in Japan
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Plenty of events and student celebrations, as well as support initiatives, courtesy the VIU Students Union

Housing - On campus
VIU has ten on-campus residences and houses more than 500 students every year. For more information please visit VIU Student Housing.

Academics & Athletics
VIU Mariners Athletics insists that student-athletes make academics their priority. Department staff and coaches, along with an academic monitoring support system and VIU Student Affairs, will assist student-athletes to reach their full potential. Many Mariner athletes have been recognized by the CCAA with their top honour: Academic All-Canadian.

Scholarships
Athletics awards a number of scholarships and bursaries for both athletic and academic excellence. Most Mariner athletes are also eligible to apply for funding from B.C. Provincial Sport Organizations. Mariner Athletics is committed to developing its scholarship opportunities.