THE University of Notre Dame has been forced to cancel enrolments into its nursing and midwifery degrees this semester after reportedly overloading the system with graduates.

The university confirmed to the Herald this week that it would not be taking enrolments in the first semester of 2026, though it didn’t answer our questions on whether its hand had been forced by the sector’s registration body the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council.

“Notre Dame’s School of Nursing and Midwifery prepares students for contemporary healthcare practice by developing their skills across all areas of care delivery,” the university said in a statement.

“The school aims to graduate professionals with a strong service ethos who are committed to providing person‑centred care. 

“To sustain the program into the future, the University of Notre Dame has had to take the necessary step of not enrolling new students into the first semester of 2026. 

“We are working towards confirming whether a Semester 2 intake in 2026 is possible and we will provide an update on this closer to the start of Semester 2. 

“This does not affect existing or graduating students in the Bachelor of Nursing program. 

“Our students remain our priority and we will continue to deliver the highest quality of education and practical experience for them. We are supporting and communicating closely with prospective students to explore their tertiary study options.”

It’s the second blow to the school’s reputation after the paperwork for the 2023 cohort of nursing students didn’t get sent to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, leading to some graduates being unable to take up work offers or placements.

The Herald contacted ANMAC, which is an independent authority responsible for accrediting nursing educators, but didn’t get a reply.

ANMAC could withdraw Notre Dame’s accreditation, but according to its website that has not occurred.

There have been warnings about a shortage of placements for nursing students in recent years, particularly after the Covid pandemic when a number of major health providers slashed their workforce.

by STEVE GRANT