Vancouver Island University says it has approved its 2026-27 budget with a $1-million surplus after finishing the 2025-26 year with a $5.3-million surplus.
“The balanced budget is a result of deliberate, strategic action and it reflects hard work by VIU employees. This didn’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Dennis Johnson, interim president and vice-chancellor. “The operational changes we’ve made ensure strong financial footing for the future.”
The university says the budget was shaped by challenges including volatility in international student enrolment and increased competition for domestic students, along with inflation, replacing outdated technology and deferred building maintenance.
“VIU has taken decisive action to strengthen the university’s financial position while remaining focused on our core mission of serving students and communities in our region,” Johnson said. “We are building a more sustainable and resilient institution that is better positioned to respond to change, support learners and invest strategically in the future.”
