The University of Notre Dame Australia has abruptly stopped accepting new students into its Bachelor of Nursing programme for the first semester of 2026, a move that has sparked concern among staff, applicants and education stakeholders.
The university, which operates campuses in Fremantle and Sydney, confirmed the decision in a statement, saying it was necessary to safeguard the future of the programme.
“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,” the statement said.
The institution added that it is assessing whether a Semester Two intake will be possible and promised an update closer to the mid-year period.
The decision came as a shock to teaching staff and prospective students, many of whom only learned of the change this month. The union representing academic staff said employees had not been given clear reasons for the halt.
National Tertiary Education Union state secretary Scott Fitzgerald described the nursing degree as a flagship course and questioned the lack of explanation.
“This is their flagship course. In a semester they normally enrol about 450 students in Western Australia and 260 students in Sydney,” he said in a radio interview.
Staff concerns reportedly include whether the programme meets accreditation requirements, although the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council confirmed the degree remains accredited while undergoing routine review.
“As part of its functions under the National Law, ANMAC undertakes routine and risk-based monitoring of nursing and midwifery programs to ensure they continue to meet the National Accreditation Standards,” a spokesperson said.
Union representatives noted enrolments have surged in recent years following federal reforms that reduced fees for nursing and teaching courses, increasing demand for placements.
Education department data show new nursing enrolments rose sharply, reaching more than 1,100 students in 2024. Experts say rapid growth can strain clinical placement availability and student support capacity.
Fitzgerald argued enrolment limits could have been introduced instead of suspending admissions entirely, warning the decision could worsen Australia’s projected nursing shortage.
“The federal government has outlined that by 2035 there could be a shortfall of 70,000 nurses in Australia,” he said.
Prospective students have also been affected, with some reporting they were informed after preference deadlines had passed.
The National Student Ombudsman’s office confirmed receiving a complaint regarding the 2026 intake and emphasized the need for timely communication.
“All higher education providers should be transparent and timely with their communication to current and prospective students in the event of changes to course availability,” the office said.
The university said the decision will not affect students currently enrolled in or graduating from the programme.
The enrolment freeze comes as the university continues rebuilding its public image following a ransomware attack in 2025 that disrupted IT systems and academic operations for months.
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