Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Midwifery

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City, Mount Gambier, Whyalla

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BMIDW

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$44,500

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115734F

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher from a recognised higher education institution with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	95
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.99
China – Gaokao	85%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	23
India – CBSE and CISCE	95
India – State Board Examinations	99
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	A
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	3.55
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	8
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	3.55
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	13
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	14
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	9.00

Why Bachelor of Midwifery?

As a midwife, you will be a trusted guide, mentor, and source of strength during one of life’s most profound experiences.

You'll support women and their families through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond – witnessing the arrival of new life while offering essential care and wisdom in the critical postnatal period. Your guidance will empower new parents with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their new roles.

You’ll be there for one of the most significant moments in a family’s life. Long after mother and baby have returned home, your compassion, expertise and dedication will be remembered.

Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery at Adelaide University equips you for a fulfilling career in maternity care. Emphasising woman and family-centred care, the program ensures you develop the skills to meet the social, emotional, physical, and cultural needs of the women and families you support throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Gain real-world experience through clinical placements, actively participating in a minimum of 30 births across various settings in South Australia. Our unique Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) offers you the chance to follow a minimum of 10 women and expectant parents through their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journeys – providing a deep understanding of midwifery practice.

Learn in cutting-edge facilities, including an on-campus simulated hospital that mirrors real-world scenarios with birthing suites, a special care nursery and a postnatal area. Throughout your studies, you'll be guided by experienced clinicians and educators who are leaders in midwifery, ensuring you graduate with the expertise to make a meaningful impact.

Key features

Work closely with women and families throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.
Develop the skills to support the diverse health needs of families from various backgrounds.
Gain hands-on experience in our high-tech simulation hospital, guided by expert clinical and academic staff.
Actively participate in a minimum of 30 births, working alongside experienced midwives.
Follow the unique journeys of 10 women and families through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.
Build practical skills with clinical placements from your first year, establishing valuable connections with industry partners and leading clinicians.

What you'll learn

In this degree, you’ll learn to provide compassionate and expert care to women and their families. You’ll discover the critical legal and ethical responsibilities of midwives, understanding how these impact on the lives of those you care for. You’ll also explore how political, socio-cultural, economic and technological factors are shaping midwifery practice today.

Your studies will be grounded in both theory and practice. Much of your learning will take place in our high-tech simulation facilities that mirror real-world hospital environments. Here, you’ll practise your skills with practical scenarios and manikins, allowing you to build confidence and prepare for clinical practice.

Clinical placements will form a significant part of your studies. You’ll work in hospitals and health services across metro, regional and rural areas – always under the supervision of experienced midwives. Throughout your placements, you’ll be actively involved in a minimum of 30 births and provide pre- and post-birth care for at least 100 women.

A unique aspect of the degree is the Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE), where you’ll follow a minimum of 10 women through their pregnancy and birth journeys, offering consistent support and learning about the importance of continuity of care.

Placements and CoCE must be completed in South Australia on a full-time basis, with shift work required across a seven-day roster. The nature of midwifery means you may be required to carry out these experiences over more than one study period.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

90 units for all Core courses, and
54 units for all Work integrated learning

Complete 90 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1001	Units 6
Course name Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1002	Units 6
Course name Fetal and Maternal Pathophysiology	Course code BIOL2038	Units 6
Course name Healthy Mothers and Babies	Course code MIDW1003	Units 6
Course name Evidence Based Midwifery	Course code MIDW1101	Units 6
Course name Complex Care of the Woman	Course code MIDW2001	Units 12
Course name Complex Care of the Neonate	Course code MIDW2003	Units 12
Course name Midwifery Project	Course code MIDW3000	Units 6
Course name Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing	Course code MIDW3001	Units 6
Course name Women's Health Across the Lifespan	Course code MIDW3002	Units 6
Course name Becoming a Midwife	Course code MIDW3010	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Health	Course code NURS1001	Units 6
Course name Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Midwives	Course code PHAR2016	Units 6

Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Primary Midwifery Practice	Course code MIDW1002	Units 12
Course name Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Foundation Practicum 1	Course code MIDW1900	Units 6
Course name Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Development Practicum 2	Course code MIDW2901	Units 6
Course name Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Practice Development Practicum 3	Course code MIDW2900	Units 6
Course name Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Transition Practicum 4	Course code MIDW3901	Units 12
Course name Experiential Learning Activity: Midwifery Transition Practicum 5	Course code MIDW3902	Units 12

Career outcomes

As a midwife, you’ll lead the way in maternity care, providing women with expert guidance and reassurance throughout their pregnancies. During birth, you’ll play a hands-on role, actively ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both mother and baby. In the crucial days that follow, you’ll continue to support women and their families, helping them navigate the early stages of caring for their newborn.

As a midwife, you'll have opportunities to work in group practices, providing care to women within caseload models. You could offer family planning support, guide women through pregnancy and birth in a hospital setting, or assist with home births.

Roles are available in multidisciplinary healthcare teams in a range of settings, including:

Community services
Public or private hospitals
Rural and remote healthcare
Home-based services
Health agencies
Midwifery education
Research
Private Practice.

Industry trends

Midwifery is a dynamic and evolving profession, continually adapting to meet the diverse needs of women, families, and communities. There is an increasing emphasis on continuity of care and the development of cultural competence to provide inclusive support for diverse populations. Adelaide University’s midwifery degree reflects these priorities, equipping you with a contemporary skill set to offer compassionate, equitable care to all families.

In Australia, midwifery is a growing field. There is also a national shortage of midwives in all states in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: