Most universities have filled their healthcare programs this fall, surpassing the 97 per cent enrolment target set out in their funding agreements with the Province.
Dalhousie University nursing students demonstrate their training. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
The target was nearly 1,800 first-year students filling seats in 35 programs at six universities this year. Enrolment has instead risen to about 1,900 students as programs expanded to meet growing demand.
"Our government is ensuring that more healthcare workers are being trained in Nova Scotia," said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Advanced Education. "By exceeding their healthcare seat targets, universities are training our future healthcare workforce right here at home. When students can access these programs in their communities, they're more likely to stay, work and build their careers in Nova Scotia."
Under the 2025-27 bilateral agreements between the Province and universities, a portion of a university's operating grant is withheld until it demonstrates that 97 per cent of healthcare program seats are filled. Programs at Acadia, Cape Breton, Dalhousie, St. Francis Xavier and Mount Saint Vincent universities are operating above their original capacity to meet demand. Université Sainte-Anne, which offers a small French-first bachelor of social work program, is slightly below its target with eight of 10 seats filled. The university is working with the Province to increase enrolment.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Nova Scotia invested more than $44.5 million in healthcare education initiatives, in addition to the $58.9 million invested in 2023 for the new Cape Breton medical campus that opened this fall. The Province also offers targeted incentives for students entering designated healthcare programs, such as free tuition, tuition relief, bursaries, and debt assistance, with specific supports varying by program.
Quotes:
"Every investment in healthcare education is an investment in people who want to save lives and help care for Nova Scotians. We are pulling every lever we can to ensure we train, recruit and retain the healthcare professionals our province needs now and in the future."
Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness
"Creating a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals is essential to meeting the needs of Nova Scotians. Universities play a vital role in preparing graduates through education, research, and training - ensuring they are ready to serve their communities. We're proud to partner with the Province to build the healthcare workforce Nova Scotia needs for years to come."
Kim Brooks, President, Dalhousie University
Quick Facts:
- examples of healthcare programs at Nova Scotia universities include medicine, nursing, physician assistant, medical laboratory technology, pharmacy and social work
- current bilateral funding agreements also freeze tuition for Nova Scotian undergraduate students and require universities to increase student housing
- Nova Scotia Community College and 16 private career colleges also offer healthcare programs for nearly 3,000 new admissions annually
Additional Resources:
- News release - Province Signs New Funding Agreements with Universities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/25/province-signs-new-funding-agreements-universities
