CANADA · NANAIMO
Malaspina University College
public · Founded 1969 · Languages: English
M
In short
Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University College) offers a variety of programs on Vancouver Island, known for small class sizes and a coastal lifestyle. International students can expect tuition fees in the range of CAD 16,000-24,000 per year, with additional living costs.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 14,000
- International students
- 1,800
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–16k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Nanaimo, Canada
Malaspina University-College, now Vancouver Island University, is a public post-secondary institution on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It offers bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates, trades training and university-transfer courses, with strengths in business, education, tourism, and marine and natural sciences. Known for small class sizes and personal faculty attention, it welcomes a substantial international student community to its coastal campuses.
Why study here
- Benefit from small class sizes and close faculty attention at a teaching-focused institution.
- Access Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible programs to gain Canadian work experience.
- Study a wide range of degrees, diplomas, trades and university-transfer programs.
- Enjoy an affordable, ocean-side lifestyle on Vancouver Island within reach of Victoria and Vancouver.
- Choose subjects that reflect the coastal setting, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and marine sciences.
Student life
Students enjoy a relaxed, outdoors-oriented campus life on Vancouver Island, with easy access to the ocean, hiking and the island's mild climate. The institution offers international student support, housing options, clubs and recreational activities, along with a tight-knit community atmosphere typical of a smaller university with multiple coastal campuses.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition typically ranged from roughly CAD 16,000 to CAD 24,000 per year depending on the program, assessed per credit or per program. Trades and graduate programs are priced separately. Mandatory student and service fees apply in addition to tuition.
HomeDomestic British Columbia students pay substantially lower regulated tuition than international students.
LivingNanaimo and Vancouver Island are more affordable than Vancouver; budget roughly CAD 12,000-16,000 per year for accommodation, food and living costs.
Fees are subject to change and are confirmed at registration. International students should budget for mandatory health coverage and student fees in addition to tuition.
Admissions
UndergraduateSecondary school graduation with required courses for the chosen program.
University TransferEquivalent prior coursework for admission with advanced standing.
IELTS Academic6.0-6.5
TOEFL iBT79-88
Duolingo English Test110-120
University scholarships
International Student Entrance AwardsVaries
VIU Bursaries and AwardsNeed-based
Accreditation
A public, degree-granting institution designated under British Columbia's Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and a designated learning institution (DLI) for international students; now operating as Vancouver Island University.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the current name of Malaspina University College?
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Malaspina University College is now known as Vancouver Island University (VIU). It is a public post-secondary institution located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students?
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International undergraduate tuition typically ranges from CAD 16,000 to CAD 24,000 per year, depending on the program. Additional mandatory student and service fees, as well as health coverage, apply.
What are the estimated living costs for international students?
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Living costs for accommodation, food, and other expenses in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island are estimated to be around CAD 12,000-16,000 per year. This is generally more affordable than living in Vancouver.
What programs does Vancouver Island University offer?
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The university offers a wide range of programs including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates, trades training, and university-transfer courses. Strengths include business, education, tourism, and marine and natural sciences.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0-6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 79-88, or a Duolingo English Test score of 110-120.
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