Bachelor of Midwifery
Learn how to confidently nurture pregnant women through one of life’s most meaningful events.
Midwives work with women to provide care in pregnancy, childbirth and up to the first six weeks of a baby's life.
Our four-year Bachelor of Midwifery degree will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for midwifery practice in New Zealand. Its blended (online and face-to-face) delivery method enables you to study and work in Christchurch, Mid/South Canterbury, Nelson/Marlborough or the West Coast.
All sites are supported by a midwifery lecturer who’ll provide individual support, organise face-to-face tutorials, facilitate your online studies and coordinate local practice experience for you in your own region.
Throughout the degree you’ll explore and acquire knowledge from Ara educators/Kaiako, experienced midwives practicing in the community and in maternity facilities, and from women and families who will share their childbirth experiences with you.
The degree draws on an apprenticeship model where you’ll gain valuable midwifery practice experience and opportunities to integrate knowledge, skills, practice and professional behaviours through extended placements, working alongside experienced midwives. In total you’ll undertake at least 2400 hours of clinical practice over the four years of the degree.
The Bachelor of Midwifery is recognised by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand and became a unified programme in December 2024, meaning its aims and learning outcomes are identical across the three polytechnic tertiary institutes in New Zealand which offer it (Ara Institute of Canterbury, Otago Polytechnic and Wintec).
Please note: on completion of Year 4 you will be required to sit the Midwifery Council National Exam (at an additional cost of $220 to enable you to be registered to practice as a midwife.
Fees for 2025
New Zealand University Entrance – NCEA Level 3 consisting of:
60 credits at Level 3 including:
- a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in biology, chemistry or physics
- a minimum of 16 credits in an English rich subject (such as English, history, art history, classics, geography, economics or media studies)
- a further 16 credits at Level 3 or higher in two other subjects from the approved list of subjects*
And 20 credits at Level 2 including:
- a minimum of 16 credits in biology
- a further 16 credits in chemistry or physics
- 16 credits in another Level 2 subject
Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
A self-declaration, providing information regarding:
- Criminal convictions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a ciminal offence.
- Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal conviction may result in the Midwifery Council refusing to register a person as a midwife.
- mental and physical conditions. Applicants are required to indicate if they have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate that they are fit for practice as a midwife.
- Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of physical or mental conditions may result in the Midwifery Council bieng unable to register a person as a midwife.
- Personal statement, which demonstrates communication skills and self -responsibility in relation to their learning and practice, as required by Midwifery Council.
- an indication of whether they hold a driver's license, and if not whether they have access to reliable transport.
- At least two written references. A reference is required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a midwife, as required by the Children's Act 2014.
- Referees will ideally be provided by an academic in a leadership or tutorial poistion/teacher/lecturer, and a employment/professional/volunteer-based referee. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
Registered nurses or other Registered health practitioners must hold registration with the relevant regulatory authority in New Zealand. A Certificate of Good Standing is required from the relevant regulatory authority.
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study and work experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, you may also be required to provide evidence of English language skills as listed below.
- If the mimimum score is not achieved in one sitting, the applicant may resit the relevent component. A pass may be achieved over several sittings not more than 12 months apart.
- The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
- The Midwifery Council accepts an OET test with passes at A or B level (350 or above) in the four areas.
Overall IELTS 7.0 Academic
- 7 Listening
- 6.5 Reading
- 6.5 Writing
- 7 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
Please note: on completion of Year 4 you will be required to sit the Midwifery Council National Exam (at an additional cost of $220) to enable you to be registered to practice as a midwife.
You can work as a midwife, providing midwifery services either as a self-employed midwife with a caseload in the community or employed in a hospital setting providing maternity services to women.
Many graduates have established practices with their colleagues or joined an existing midwifery practice.
Midwives have the opportunity to develop skills in health management areas, education, and women's health settings and to participate and undertake research projects as well as work with other health professionals to enhance health care provision for women and their families.
Bachelor of Midwifery
Learn how to confidently nurture pregnant women through one of life’s most meaningful events.
Information | |
---|---|
Type | Degree |
Code | TP5225 |
May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
Credits | 480 |
Level | 7 |
May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
Reference | TP5225-STRU |
Fees for 2025
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
A self-declaration, providing information regarding:
- Criminal convictions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they have been convicted of, or have been prosecuted for, a ciminal offence.
- Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of criminal conviction may result in the Midwifery Council refusing to register a person as a midwife.
- mental and physical conditions. Applicants are required to indicate if they have had any mental and/or physical conditions, to demonstrate that they are fit for practice as a midwife.
- Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 some types of physical or mental conditions may result in the Midwifery Council bieng unable to register a person as a midwife.
- Personal statement, which demonstrates communication skills and self -responsibility in relation to their learning and practice, as required by Midwifery Council.
- an indication of whether they hold a driver's license, and if not whether they have access to reliable transport.
- At least two written references. A reference is required to demonstrate the applicant has good character and that the applicant is sufficient for safe and effective practice as a midwife, as required by the Children's Act 2014.
- Referees will ideally be provided by an academic in a leadership or tutorial poistion/teacher/lecturer, and a employment/professional/volunteer-based referee. Referees may not be a family member, partner or flatmate.
Credit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
- Bach Midwifery Additional Requirements Form PDF, 146 KB
- Midwifery Info Sheet PDF, 276 KB
- Referee Report 1 PDF, 183 KB
- Referee Report 2 PDF, 190 KB
Area of Interest

Need some help picking the right course for you?
Send us an enquiry or book a tour and experience Ara for yourself!