VIU student studying in the campus library

Western Deans' Agreement

Vancouver Island University is a member of the Western Deans' Agreement (WDA). This agreement was established in 1974 as an expression of cooperation and mutual support among universities offering graduate programs in Western Canada. The agreement provides an automatic tuition fee waiver for visiting students.  See below for instructions if you are (1) a VIU graduate student looking to go 'outbound' to another western university or (2) an non-VIU graduate student looking to come 'inbound' and take a VIU course.

For VIU students wanting to take a course at a different institution.

  1. Read all instructions provided by the institution you wish to attend. Host institution specific details.
  2. Read over the agreement.
  3. Discuss with your supervisor and/or program chair.
  4. Fill out form. You will need your program chair's signature and the Director of Graduate Studies and Student Research's signature.
  5. Send completed form to VIU's Office of Graduate Studies. They will review and send it to the host institution. You will receive a confirmation when (a) your request has been received, (b) when your request has been forwarded, and (c) when we receive a response from the host institution.

For non-VIU students wanting to take a course at VIU.

VIU wants to make your WDA experience a great one. Please ensure you follow the instructions below. VIU generally requires four weeks to review and respond to WDA requests. Further, you will be assessed our general application fee.

  1. Review the specific VIU course you are interested in and ensure your home institution does not offer the course, or it is not being offered during your graduate school period. VIU graduate programs list
  2. Review your institution's process for supporting you. Host institution specific details.
  3. Read over  the agreement.
  4. Discuss with your supervisor and/or other pertinent people.
  5. Fill out form.
  6. Completed form is sent to VIU's Office of Graduate Studies. This Office will review and seek necessary internal permissions, then reply back to your home institution. VIU reserves the right for this process to take up to four weeks.
  7. If approved, you will receive further instructions on how to apply and register in the course.