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Midwifery Courses

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About Midwifery Courses

Midwifery is a healthcare field that supports women through pregnancy, birth and the months after. Midwives check on mother and baby and act early if something looks wrong. They send a woman to a doctor when she needs specialist care. Around 19,400 people work as midwives in Australia, most of them in hospitals, birthing units and community health teams (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026).

The role goes well beyond the delivery room. Midwives run antenatal classes and give advice on feeding and diet. They also support parents through the early weeks of a new baby. Many follow the same woman right through her pregnancy, a model known as continuity of care. It takes patience, clear talk and good judgement under pressure.

To work as a midwife, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This sets the standard every accredited course must meet. Most students study a direct-entry bachelor degree. Registered nurses can instead add midwifery after their nursing course. A course listed on training.gov.au meets the national standard before you enrol.

Demand stays steady, especially in rural and regional Australia, where maternity services often need more staff. Some states fund training places, so it pays to check for a subsidy or Free TAFE option first. You can compare accredited bachelor and postgraduate courses on this page.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for midwifery courses?

Most direct-entry degrees ask for an ATAR or equivalent, sometimes with a science subject as well. If you are already a registered nurse, postgraduate midwifery is usually the faster route, since it builds on skills you already hold. Requirements vary between providers, so check each course outline carefully.

What is the difference between nursing and midwifery?

Nursing covers a broad range of patient care across many settings and conditions. Midwifery is narrower and more specific, focused on pregnancy, birth and women’s reproductive health. In Australia, midwifery is its own registration category, separate from nursing.

Are midwives in demand in Australia?

Yes, especially in rural and regional areas, where maternity units often struggle to fill permanent roles. Jobs and Skills Australia data shows midwifery stays a small, mostly female occupation with steady national need (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026).

How long does it take to become a midwife?

A direct-entry midwifery bachelor degree usually takes three years of full-time study. Registered nurses who move across through postgraduate midwifery can often finish in one to two years, depending on the provider.

Is a midwifery degree nationally recognised?

Yes, as long as it is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. Always check accreditation with the provider before you enrol, since only accredited courses lead to registration.

Where can a career in midwifery take you?

A career in midwifery can lead to real jobs you'll enjoy. Here are some roles you could pursue.