Coho Fry

Become a Fish and Aqua Student

VIU encourages students to apply for programs regardless of academic background. We have provided a one-stop shop of information for you below.

    Important Deadlines

    The Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Diploma (two-year) and the Post-Degree Diploma (one year) programs both start in September.

    • Applications will be accepted between November 15 and March 31. Late applications will be considered if space permits.

    Entrance requirements into the BA, Minor in Aquaculture and BSc, Minor in Aquaculture are identical to BA and BSc entrance requirements.

    • Minors must be declared before the third year, but are encouraged to be declared upon acceptance into the BA or BSc program.

    Apply now!

    Other important information

    • Domestic Students: see Fee Category I: Career/Technology programs
    • International Students: see Degree, Diploma and Certificate Programs
      • Tuition varies depending on the number of credits a student is enrolled in. Please contact International Admissions for cost estimates: International Admissions
        Tel: 250.740.6316
        Toll free: 1.888.920.9921
        Email: WorldVIU@viu.ca

    Books and Lab Manuals

    Fisheries and Aquaculture Specific Fees ($Cdn)

    • Travel Expenses: for travel to and from practicum sites budget $25 - $40 per week
    • Specialty equipment: Rain gear ($100 - $120), Gum boots ($25 - $75), Chest Waders ($125 - $350)
    • Key Card$10 one time fee which gives students access to laboratories and fish culturing facilities for the duration of study. Cards can be purchased in the bookstore and programmed by the area secretary.
    • Lab books: AQUA 241/341 and AQUA 204 approx. $12 each.
    • Level 1 First Aid (approx. $100)
    • Pleasure Craft Operators Card
    • Maritime Radio Certificate
    • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
    • Additional Fees ($Cdn)

    NOTE: You can now borrow outdoor field gear from the VIU Gear Closet in the VIU Library!

    Student Union Fees

    Fee TypeAmount
    Students' Union membership fee$9.11
    VIU students' Union club fee$0.72

    Navigator newspaper society membership fee

    $1.01

    Canadian Federation of Students membership

    $2.00

    Students' Union Building fee$2.96

    Radio Malaspina Fee

    $0.27

    Total (cost per month)

    $16.07

    Other Expenses