Bachelor of Midwifery

Entry criteria

Entry Entry requirements Academic requirements

• University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, consisting of:
• NCEA Level 3:
  • a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in biology, chemistry or physics
  • a minimum of 16 credits at Level 3 in an English language rich subject (such as English, history, art history, classical studies, geography, economics or media studies)
  • a further 16 credits at Level 3 or higher in two approved subjects on the National Qualifications Framework
• 20 credits at Level 2, including
  • a minimum of 16 credits in biology
  • and a further 16 credits in chemistry or physics
• 16 credits in another Level 2 subject
• Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
  • 5 credits in reading, and
  • 5 credits in writing
• Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
  • specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
  • unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required).

For those over 20

• Evidence of academic equivalence of the above qualifications, or
• Demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree-level.

English Language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must complete an assessment of your English Language and pass the required standard.

You need either an:

• Overall Academic IELTS of 7.0, with scores in the following areas:

  • Comprehension band 6.5
  • Writing band 6.5
  • Speaking band 7.0
  • Listening band 7.0

OR

• Occupational English Test (OET) with passes at A or B in the four areas.

Scores for both IELTS and OET assessments must be achieved in one sitting. 

Evidence of successful completion must be provided at the time of application. If you believe that you should be exempt from this requirement, please contact the Midwifery Council by emailing info@midwiferycouncil.health.nz. Any exemptions are at the discretion of the Midwifery Council and applicants must provide written proof of exemption or IELTs results to be accepted to the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Applicants with Te Reo as their first language should contact the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.  

Additional entry criteria

You must also:

• provide testimony of two referees who can attest to your suitability to train as a midwife. One referee report should be provided by an employer or community group representative and the other must be from someone who can comment on your academic ability. Referees must be people of standing in the community who are not friends or relatives of the applicant. If you have not studied in the last five years a second professional referee may be contacted instead of an academic referee.
• submit your Curriculum Vitae and an essay (essay instructions included in Completing your application section below) demonstrating your commitment to midwifery and any life experience relevant to midwifery and/or women’s health.
• demonstrate self-responsibility in relation to learning and practice and the personal qualities appropriate for midwifery practice such as strong communication skills and a demonstrated interest in women's health.
• provide a current comprehensive or standard First Aid Certificate, including proficiency in CPR (NQF unit standards 6401 and 6402 or equivalent).
• demonstrate that you have good health and good character via a medical report/health declaration, and identity confirmation
• provide a conviction declaration and permission for a Police Check to ensure you meet the requirements of the Children's Act 2014.
• provide a copy of your full driver’s licence and have access to a vehicle for on-call practice.
• have good computer skills.

Please note: Registered health practitioners from other disciplines who seek Recognition of Prior Learning on the basis of their health professional qualification and practice experience must hold registration with the relevant regulator authority in New Zealand and provide a Certificate of Good Standing from that authority.

Don't meet the entry requirements?

OurHealth Bridging Certificateacts as a bridging programme into this midwifery qualification.

A minimum B+/75 average pass, achieved across four courses during semester two, is required to meet the academic entry requirements into the Bachelor of Midwifery. This MUST include a B+/75 in Bioscience 2.

The Health Bridging Certificate is also ideal if you need to update specific knowledge and skills, and demonstrate your academic ability. Distance options are available.

Please note: Due to the high demand for plac...