Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a full-time program based at VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Coursework connects caring, health promotion, evidence-informed practice and leadership with simulation and clinical learning. Practice experiences span community and health-care settings, culminating in a supervised final practicum. Graduates can write the NCLEX-RN and apply for nursing registration in British Columbia.
- Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Credential
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Location
- Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- January 29, 2027 (Early admission final-grade and Casper-results deadline)
- Seats
- 75-80 students enter year one each September
- Length
- Four years
Casper Requirement for Vancouver Island University Nursing
Vancouver Island University Nursing requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- Casper
- Applicant ID to enter
- VIU student number
- Score distribution deadline
- March 31, 2027
- Distribution fee
- VIU says an additional fee applies for each school selected to receive results, without stating an amount.
Upcoming Casper test dates
- October 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM PDT
- November 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM PCT
- November 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM PCT
- November 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM PCT
- December 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM PCT
- January 7, 2027 at 4:00 PM PCT
- January 17, 2027 at 8:00 AM PCT
- February 4, 2027 at 6:00 PM PCT
- February 21, 2027 at 8:00 AM PCT
- March 2, 2027 at 6:00 PM PCT
Test dates can change: confirm availability in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Apply to the program before booking Casper. Scores are valid for one admission cycle, and VIU receives them directly about 2-3 weeks after testing.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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Vancouver Island University Nursing Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- EducationPlannerBC online, or VIU paper application
- Applications open
- October 1, 2026
- Application fee
- $46.98 for the domestic Option A application
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Early admission final-grade and Casper-results deadline | January 29, 2027upcoming |
| Application deadline | January 31, 2027upcoming |
| Final interim-or-final prerequisite-grade and Casper-results deadline | March 31, 2027upcoming |
One Option A intake occurs each fall; late applications are not accepted. Arrange official transcripts, apply before taking Casper, and use the VIU student number received after applying. BSN transfer applicants should contact the BSN advisor before applying and use a paper application.
Vancouver Island University Nursing Admissions Statistics
Period: Previous admission cycle for the accepted-GPA range; typical annual intake for seats and applicants
- Seats / class size: 75-80 students enter year one each September
- Applicants: Hundreds annually
- Accepted prerequisite GPA range in the previous admission cycle: 3.58-4.33
Eligibility Requirements for Vancouver Island University Nursing
- Citizenship
The program is not currently available to international students.
Admission pathways
- Indigenous reserved seats: Indigenous applicants can submit the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form
- Prior learning and advanced credit: Eligible BC LPN graduates may receive NURS 175 credit; eligible BC HCA graduates may request assessment for that credit
Other requirements
- Immunization form: Completed form required by the first day of classes
- Criminal record check: VIU-requested satisfactory check required for placements; an RCMP check alone is insufficient
- Basic Life Support: Current, unexpired certificate required before starting and throughout the BSN program
Selection Factors Vancouver Island University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chemistry 11 | Minimum C+ VIU accepts equivalents. |
| Biology 12 | Minimum C+ VIU accepts equivalents. |
| English 12 | Minimum C+ VIU accepts equivalents. |
| Mathematics | Minimum C+ in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Pre-Calculus 11, or Foundations of Mathematics 12 VIU accepts equivalents. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Grades in the four admission prerequisites form the admission GPA; eligible higher-level courses can receive an adjusted grade in that calculation.
- Minimum
- C+ in each required course
How applicants are ranked
Admission ranking is 60% prerequisite GPA and 40% Casper score. Meeting minimum requirements does not establish a competitive GPA; VIU says the accepted GPA range varies by year.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Vancouver Island University Nursing
- Program length
- Four years
- Structure
Full-time Option A program across eight academic semesters
- Campuses
- Nanaimo
Nursing theory, simulation, hospital and community practice, two consolidated practice courses in the detailed Option A outline, and a final preceptor-guided practicum. The detailed outline lists two consolidated practice courses, while the admissions summary says three; the outline is used here.
Campus and facilities
Theory classes are held at Nanaimo or in a blended online format, with simulation-lab learning and practice placements in surrounding communities. Students need reliable transportation to placements, which can begin as early as 6 AM or end as late as 10 PM.
Tuition and Funding at Vancouver Island University
- Domestic Option A year 1 estimated total: $11,940.00
- Year 2: $9,681.09
- Year 3: $9,161.73
- Year 4: $6,709.64
Domestic Option A estimates are subject to change. Students pay their own clinical-travel expenses; professional examination and licensing costs are additional. VIU also lists approximate costs for books, supplies, and first-year equipment within its yearly estimates.
How to Prepare Your Vancouver Island University Nursing Application
- Check all four prerequisite grades and any equivalents
- Apply early through EducationPlannerBC and obtain your VIU student number
- Arrange official interim or final grades by the applicable document deadline
- Book an available Casper date early enough for results to reach VIU
- Familiarize yourself with Casper’s format and check your computer and internet connection
- If offered a place, prepare the immunization form, VIU criminal record check, and Basic Life Support certificate
Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver Island University Nursing
When can I apply?
Applications open in the fall and close at the end of January; late applications are not accepted.
Is Casper required?
Yes, for Option A; apply first to obtain a VIU student number.
Which grades are required?
At least C+ in Chemistry 11, Biology 12, English 12 and one accepted mathematics course.
Can I apply before finishing prerequisites?
Yes, but official interim or final grades must arrive by the document deadline.
How are applicants ranked?
60% prerequisite GPA and 40% Casper score.
How many students enter each fall?
VIU says 75-80 enter year one.
Can international students apply?
The program is not currently available to international students.
What is needed before classes begin?
A completed immunization form, the VIU-requested criminal record check and current Basic Life Support certification.
Sources
- VIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- The Casper Test - BSN
- VIU BSN department page
- Nursing frequently asked questions
- Apply to VIU
Last updated: September 26, 2026