The Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (Australia and New Zealand) is pleased to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Council of Deans of Health UK and the Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration and mutual support in the fields of healthcare education and research – across countries and disciplines. It reflects a shared recognition of the complex and dynamic environment currently facing both the higher education and health sectors. Universities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are contending with significant policy change, while health systems globally are grappling with workforce needs and other pressures. All of this is occurring within a shifting geopolitical landscape, rapid technological changes and a tight fiscal environment.

These are not isolated issues, and there is significant value in international collaboration to address common concerns and explore sustainable solutions to these areas of mutual interest. A key goal of the MOU is to build on the value of sharing knowledge and approaches across countries in the essential, though challenging, space of health professional education.

This agreement provides a foundation for deeper dialogue on matters such as funding models, workforce development, research priorities and regulation, affirming our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare education and research.

The partnership was formally launched on 12 May 2025 through an interactive event attended by members from all three Councils.

Watch the launch event below: