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Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program

Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada•QS 2025 #1201-1400

Official program page (opens in a new tab)

Offered by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, Canada, Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program is a foundation in Upgrading/upskilling programme. The programme is delivered on campus. Teaching is in English.

At a glance

Degree: Foundation

Field: Upgrading/upskilling

Delivery: On Campus

Language: English

We have no tuition fees on record for this programme yet — see the official programme page. — it helps other students.

Last checked September 2026 · Source: viu.ca ·

Program details

Overview

This program lets students take university credit courses while they continue exploring their academic options. It suits those who are missing first-year prerequisites for a specific program, or who have not yet decided between fields such as Arts, Business or Science. The structure is meant to provide an entry point while students work out their direction.

Requirements

Admission Requirements: Applicants need a minimum 'C' grade in English 12 or English First Peoples 12 from high school completion, and must also meet VIU's general admission requirements for Academic programs and the prerequisites of any individual courses they plan to take. Under those general requirements, domestic applicants alternatively qualify with a previous recognised degree, at least 24 transferable university-level credits, or academic mature-student status (age 21, same English 12 'C'). Testing is marked not required, and late applications are accepted. No standardized language-test score, portfolio, or interview beyond the English 12 condition is stated.

Application Details

Start Date: Domestic (Canadian) applicants: 5 January 2027 (Spring intake) (Cowichan, Nanaimo). VIU lists four intakes a year for this programme, in January, May, June, September.

Application Deadline: Domestic (Canadian) applicants: apply 1 October 2025 – 6 December 2026 for the 5 January 2027 (Spring) intake (Cowichan, Nanaimo). Dates are VIU's published application window for this program (as listed September 2026) and can change; apply through EducationPlannerBC.

About Vancouver Island University

“Love where you learn”

Type: University

Control: Public

Campus setting: Urban

Founded: 1969

Students: 12,022

QS rank: #1201-1400

Programs: 150

Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver Island University academic facilities

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Frequently asked questions

What degree does Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program award?

Vancouver Island University awards a Foundation in the field of Upgrading/upskilling on completion of this programme.

Can Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program be studied online?

No — the programme is taught on campus at Vancouver Island University.

What language is Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program taught in?

The programme is taught in English.

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Foundation in Exploratory University Studies Program

At a glance