This page gives you an overview of the costs associated with the program, and how to get financial aid to help you pay for university.
Tuition and student fees
Tution fees depend on if you're a domestic student or an international student.
Equipment and software
The following is a list of required equipment for the program.
- Apple Macbook Pro
- Minimum 13" screen
- Should meet Adobe's system requirements
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription ($19.99 USD monthly or $239.88 USD yearly)
- Digital camera with manual mode and at least 10 megapixels
- Mouse
- Tripod
You can get a discount on Apple hardware through the Apple Store, or any Apple retail store if you bring proof of your enrolment at VIU.
Optionally, here are a few accessories you may want to purchase to make your time easier:
- External hard drive ($100-$150)
- Drawing tablet ($99.95 and up)
- AppleCare Protection Plan
A department laptop may be available for a student in considerable financial need. Contact us to apply.
Textbooks
Estimate about $500 for each term.
Books can be purchased from the Amazon Bookstore or the VIU Campus Store.
If your books don’t show up on the Bookstore shelves, your professor may have other plans and will discuss details in your first class.
Optionally, you're welcome to make a post on our Facebook page asking if upper-level students and alumni are selling their old texts, but there's no guarantee.
Individual Course Fees
You might have to purchase materials and pay for print/production of your projects. These vary by course and by instructor. We try to keep your costs to a minimum.
Computer printing
Our computer labs have colour printers for your use. Prints are $0.50 for colour, and $0.10 for black & white. You'll have to purchase prepaid printing in amounts that can be loaded onto your Vancouver Island University ID card.
Lockers
You can rent lockers from the VIU Bookstore. There are two types of lockers in the Art Building available for students to store their work and supplies: a large flat drawer and an upright cupboard. There is a refundable deposit of $10.00 for each locker or drawer used and a $10.00 fee for each semester for each locker.
Access/Security Cards ($8.00)
These are required for entry to the Art & Design Building and the Graphic design labs outside of scheduled class hours. These are available from the VIU Bookstore.
Financial assistance
VIU offers a variety of programs to help you fund your university experience. Scholarships, awards, bursaries and student loans are all handled through VIU Financial Aid.
Here's a sample of other awards our students have successfully won in the past:
Job Market
+23% job growth
As of November 2015, the demand for media sector professionals like Graphic Designers is growing faster than any other industry, according to job indexing site Indeed.