Press Releases

The Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VCNE) proudly announces the resumption of its nursing training program with the official start of the Advanced Diploma in Nursing course on Monday 4 August 2025. A total of 75 students — including 58 women and 17 men — have enrolled in the three-year program, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s health workforce.

This new intake reflects VCNE’s commitment to producing a new generation of highly skilled nurses who will help deliver inclusive and quality health services across Vanuatu.

Principal Nurse Educator, Mrs Evelyne Emile, welcomed the new cohort and acknowledged the continued collaboration that has made this milestone possible.

“Today is not just the start of a course; it is the continuation of our shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all ni-Vanuatu,” said Mrs Emile. “We thank the Ministry of Health, the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority, the Australian Government through the Vanuatu-Australia Health Partnership, and the Vanuatu Skills Partnership for their strong and ongoing support.”

In addition to the Advanced Diploma course, VCNE is also preparing to deliver a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery in 2026, with Cohort 2 already selected. This upcoming midwifery program will train 61 students — 47 women and 14 men — to further expand maternal health services across the islands.

Nurse Educator, Mrs Clelia Raupepe, who is part of the teaching team for this year’s Advanced Diploma, shared her excitement:

“These students represent the future of our health system. They are eager to learn, and we are ready to guide them in becoming the compassionate, competent professionals Vanuatu needs.”

For many students, joining VCNE is a dream come true. New student, Ms Kelly Lisanita Norwo, from Erromango Island expressed her motivation:

“I want to become a nurse to serve my community and make sure people in my home island have the care they need. This course is giving me the opportunity to do that, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

VCNE remains at the forefront of nursing and midwifery education in Vanuatu and looks forward to continuing its role in building a stronger, more inclusive health system for all.

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