Memorial University Program Cuts: Over a Dozen Academic Programs Ended or Paused Due to Low Enrolment

Understanding the Scope of Memorial University’s Program Changes

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), a key pillar of higher education in Atlantic Canada, has recently ended or paused more than a dozen academic programs. These decisions stem primarily from persistently low enrolment numbers, compounded by broader financial pressures facing the institution. Over the past year, the university evaluated programs based on enrolment data, learning outcomes, program completion feasibility, and resource availability, leading to these adjustments. 58 57

The changes affect a range of offerings across multiple faculties, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate majors, and graduate degrees. While some programs have been fully discontinued, others are temporarily suspended for review or redevelopment. Importantly, all currently enrolled students will be supported to complete their studies, and core courses in related areas will continue to be offered where possible. This approach aims to ensure sustainability without abruptly disrupting ongoing education.

MUN’s spokesperson, Chad Pelley, clarified that these moves are not tied to immediate budget cuts but reflect long-term data on program viability. Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Hurley added that shrinking resources—fewer faculty, reduced funding—make it challenging to sustain under-enrolled offerings indefinitely. 58

Enrolment Trends: A Sharp Decline at MUN

Fall 2025 enrolment at Memorial University totalled 17,056 students across all campuses, marking a 4.6 percent decrease from the previous year. This follows a pattern of decline, with undergraduate numbers down 3.2 percent and graduate enrolment dropping 9.7 percent. Most starkly, international student numbers plummeted 23.5 percent, resulting in a $5 million loss in tuition revenue. 47 56

Newfoundland and Labrador domestic students saw a slight 1.9 percent increase to 11,102, but this could not offset the overall drop. Provincial demographic trends exacerbate the issue: Newfoundland and Labrador’s high school graduate pool is shrinking due to long-term population decline and low birth rates. The fertility rate has fallen to 1.08, well below replacement level, leading to fewer potential university entrants. 108

Federal policies on international study permits, introduced in 2024, have further accelerated the international decline across Canadian institutions, particularly in Atlantic Canada where numbers fell 36 percent regionally. 92

Financial Pressures Driving Restructuring

MUN faces a projected $25 million operating shortfall, driven by enrolment losses, inflation, and constrained provincial funding. To address this, the university has implemented sweeping changes: reducing vice-presidents from seven to three, eliminating 20 administrative positions, and divesting non-core assets like the Harlow Campus in the UK (operations until August 2026), Signal Hill Campus residence, Johnson Geo Centre, and parts of the Ingstad building. These steps aim to save $3 million annually in operations and $20 million in maintenance. 118

The Newfoundland and Labrador government reinstated a tuition freeze for fall 2026, halting increases until stability returns. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences alone cut 96 courses this year. MUN’s $468.6 million 2025-2026 operating budget reflects these realities, prioritizing academic core functions.

These measures mirror national trends, with other Canadian universities like Algonquin College cutting 30 programs and Ontario colleges suspending dozens due to similar international enrolment caps and funding gaps. 63

Affected Programs: A Comprehensive List

The programs impacted span humanities, nursing, business, and more. Here’s a breakdown:

• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Ended – Certificate in Newfoundland and Labrador Studies (0-4 graduates/year since 2021), Certificate in Ancient Languages, Certificate in Ancient Worlds, Certificate in Food Studies, Diploma in Humanities, Diploma in Environmental Humanities.
• School of Nursing: Paused for 2025-2026 – Accelerated three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), resource-intensive with low capacity fill.
• Faculty of Business Administration: Ended 2024 – Master of Business Administration (MBA) focus on Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
• Other Graduate Programs: Ended – Master of Arts in Religion and Culture, Post-Graduate Certificate in Quality Management (Marine Institute), Master of Philosophy in Humanities.
• Grenfell Campus: Suspended – Master of Fine Arts (reopening spring 2026), BFA in Applied Literary Arts (paused fall 2026), Multidisciplinary Humanities Major (no current students).
• Additional: Suspended – English Major with Theatre/Drama Specialization (faculty retirement); Ended – Doctor of Pharmacy for Working Professionals; Redeveloped – Certificate in Public Policy to Diploma, Bachelor of Special Education to Master of Education.

Many had enrolment too low to sustain, graduating fewer than five students annually. 58 56

Spotlight on Humanities and Social Sciences Cuts

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences bore the brunt, losing six diploma/certificate programs. Dean Hurley emphasized commitment to subjects like Newfoundland and Labrador studies: “That is an area that we are not going to abandon,” with courses and research continuing. These niche offerings, while culturally valuable, struggled with tiny cohorts, prompting a shift toward more viable formats.

This reflects a strategic pivot: redeveloping programs to align with demand and credentialing trends seen elsewhere in Canada.

Nursing Program Pause Amid Provincial Shortage

The suspension of the accelerated BScN has drawn sharp criticism. Launched in 2019 for those with prior degrees, it rarely filled seats, leading students to switch to the four-year path. MUN shifted seats to the standard program, accommodating 32 waitlisted students, and noted the option persists at Grenfell’s Western Regional School.

RNUNL President Yvette Coffey urged: “We should be looking at recruitment, student supports, and long-term workforce needs before removing an education pathway.” With Newfoundland facing nursing shortages, the move raises questions about access for mature, rural learners. 119

Stakeholder Perspectives: Concerns and Defenses

MUN Faculty Association President Lisa Moores warned: “Program cancellations mean less choice and less opportunity.” Students’ Union VP Nathan Gillingham questioned alternatives for unique programs. Former MBA student Kristen Murray lamented the social enterprise focus’s loss for community impact.

Yet, university leaders stress data-driven decisions protect core strengths. No layoffs are planned immediately, focusing instead on efficiency.

A Bright Spot: MUN’s Global Recognition

Amid challenges, TIME Magazine’s 2026 World’s Top Universities ranked MUN 295th globally, 17th in Canada, and 2nd in Atlantic Canada, evaluating academic capacity, innovation, and engagement. It excels in engineering (top 300 THE), aligning with strengths despite cuts.

Implications for Newfoundland and Labrador Higher Education

NL’s depopulation—1.8 percent census drop to 510,550 by 2021—threatens PSE sustainability. MUN, as the province’s flagship, must adapt to fewer locals while rebuilding international appeal post-caps. Similar cuts nationwide signal a sector reckoning with demographics and policy shifts.

For students, reduced options may mean larger classes or transfers, but redevelopment promises modernized paths.

Looking Ahead: Strategies for Recovery and Adaptation

MUN prioritizes recruitment innovation, admissions modernization, and student supports. Provincial alignment with labour needs could boost funding. Suspended Grenfell programs resume in 2026 post-adjustments.

Affected students might explore higher education jobs or career advice. Faculty can check professor jobs amid transitions.

Photo by SooWan Jang on Unsplash

Navigating Change: Opportunities for Students and Faculty

For those impacted, resources abound. Rate professors via Rate My Professor, seek university jobs, or upskill through academic CV tips. MUN’s resilience—top rankings amid adversity—signals enduring value. Check Canadian academic opportunities for alternatives.

In conclusion, while program cuts reflect tough realities, they pave sustainable futures. Explore higher-ed jobs, rate courses, and career advice to thrive.