Vancouver Island University is known as a centre of excellence for teaching, learning and applied research and offers a diverse range of certificate, diploma and undergraduate and master degree programs to more than 18,000 students on campuses in Nanaimo, Powell River and Cowichan, and at the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. As a values-based institution, VIU is committed to engaging its communities and ensuring access to post-secondary education for all. In September 2013, VIU became the first university in British Columbia to offer a Tuition Waiver program for youth in care. For more information visit www.viu.ca.