Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

Fisheries and Aquaculture has long been an area of specialization at Vancouver Island University. VIU has an international reputation in fisheries and aquaculture applied research, technology transfer, training, and education. VIU boasts an extensive array of facilities and equipment: three cool-water hatchery complexes; a warm-water hatchery; salt-water system; fish disease laboratory; lake study field station; oyster farm; sturgeon, trout, and wild and cultured salmon research programs.

Faculty: Science, Engineering and Technology | Duration: 4 years | Study mode: co-op | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Introductory Zoology, Aquatic Plant Ecology and Culture, Calculus I, Calculus II, Physics for the Life Sciences I, Physics for the Life Sciences II, Principles of Biochemistry, Genetics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture takes place at the first, second or third-year level.; Admission to third year requires completion of a minimum of 54 credits of university study, see Program Outline. In addition, admission to the B.Sc. program (including the practicum courses, FISH 371/372) will require an interview with the faculty that can be arranged during the second year. The interview will determine the student’s understanding of the current fisheries and aquaculture industry. This interview is necessary, as these two courses involve considerable work with institutions or companies outside VIU. Advanced standing may be granted for previous course work.; Courses in first year have prerequisites. To satisfy all first-year course prerequisites, students must complete the following B.C. Secondary School courses, or equivalent:; English 12 with a minimum...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

The deadline to apply for most undergraduate programs that begin in September is March 31; deadlines for other start dates vary by program.

Extended deadline of August 16, 2026 for Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science; Business Management Certificate, Event Management Certificate, Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate, Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, Health Care Assistant Certificate and Practical Nursing Diploma list ongoing deadlines.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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