Established in 1969, the Vancouver Island University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Nanaimo (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), British Columbia. This institution also has branch campuses in Duncan, Parksville and Powellriver. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a large-sized (Buydiploma enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational Canadian higher education institution. Vancouver Island University (VIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. See the Buydiploma degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 55-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Canadian higher education organization a moderately selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. VIU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.