Established in 1969, Vancouver Island University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Nanaimo (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), British Columbia. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Duncan, Parksville, Powellriver. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training, British Columbia, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Vancouver Island University (VIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 50 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this Canadian higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.