For High School Students
Midwifery is a demanding degree, but with the right support, mob succeed and lead change in maternity care.
Helpful HSC Subjects
There are no “perfect” HSC subjects to become a midwife. The below subjects are simply suggestions to help build skills that are useful for midwifery study and practice.
- Biology: Biology helps you understand how the body works. This is useful for learning about pregnancy, birth, hormones, babies, and women’s health during midwifery training.
- English: Midwifery involves a lot of communication. English helps strengthen reading, writing, and speaking skills, which are important for essays, medical notes, care plans, and advocating for women.
- PDHPE: PDHPE connects directly to health, wellbeing, and the social factors that affect families. It helps you understand health across the lifespan, not just medically but within community and culture.
- Community and Family Studies (CAFS): This subject explores families, parenting, relationships, and social support. It aligns closely with the relational side of midwifery and caring for women and families.
- Aboriginal Studies: Aboriginal Studies strengthens understanding of culture, history, and self-determination. This knowledge supports culturally safe maternity care and strong advocacy for mob.
- Mathematics: Maths helps with medication calculations, measurements, and understanding data used in health care. You don’t need advanced maths, just steady confidence.
- Early Childhood Studies: This subject builds understanding of babies, development, and family care, which is valuable for both study and practice in midwifery.
Tertiary Education Entry Pathways into Midwifery
Midwifery is a university-qualified profession, but there are multiple entry pathways into midwifery study. You do not need a single “perfect” academic background. Universities recognise different life experiences, learning pathways, and strengths.
1. School-Leaver Entry (Direct from High School)
This pathway is for people finishing Year 12.
Common requirements
- Completion of Year 12
- English (required by most universities)
- Biology or science subjects (recommended but not always required)
Entry options
- ATAR-based entry
- Early entry offer programs
- Indigenous entry pathways (often don’t rely on ATAR alone)
2. Indigenous Entry Pathways
Most universities offer specific entry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This is one of the most common and successful entry routes for mob into midwifery.
These pathways may include
- Interviews or yarning-style assessments
- Personal statements or portfolios
- Community and cultural experience recognition
- Lower or no ATAR requirements
3. Mature-Age Entry & Enabling / Preparation Programs
Many people come into midwifery later in life, after having children, working in community, or supporting family.
Entry can be based on
- Work experience
- Community experience
- Prior study
- Personal statements or interviews
Common for
- Parents
- People changing careers
- People returning to study later in life
4. TAFE Pathway → University Entry
TAFE does not qualify someone as a midwife, but it can be an important tertiary entry pathway.
Common pathways
- Diploma of Nursing (EN) → Bachelor of Nursing → Midwifery
- Aboriginal Health qualifications → Nursing or Midwifery
5. Nursing to Midwifery Pathway
Some people enter midwifery after completing nursing.
Pathway
- Bachelor of Nursing → Graduate Diploma or Bachelor of Midwifery
This pathway
- Is common for mature-age students
- Builds broad clinical experience
Universities Offering a Bachelor of Midwifery
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
UTS has one of the most competitive midwifery programs, with a selection rank of 85.4 for recent school-leaver offers. Entry is primarily through UAC, with no early entry options. Applicants must meet all clinical compliance requirements before placement. Adjustment factors may apply to the ATAR needed depending on the applicant’s circumstances and subjects.
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Jumbunna admission program | UTS Indigenous pathways
Western Sydney University (WSU)
WSU’s Bachelor of Midwifery ATAR requirements have a median acceptance ATAR rank of 80 and lowest being 68.65, and applicants apply through UAC using their ATAR plus any adjustment factors. The program is offered at Parramatta South and includes extensive clinical placement requirements, so students must complete immunisation, police checks, and other compliance steps before placement. WSU also participates in adjustment schemes such as EAS and subject bonuses, which can raise a student’s selection rank.
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program | Western Sydney University
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
ACU’s Bachelor of Midwifery (Blacktown) has an ATAR requirement of 72.00, making it one of the more accessible midwifery programs in NSW. Students apply through UAC and must meet standard clinical compliance requirements. ACU also offers equity and access pathways, and students may be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment during placements. Their Bachelor of Midwifery (Indigenous) degree is an away from base model where students attend most classes online and are supported to travel to Brisbane once per semester for block-mode face to face learning.
University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme
- Yapug / Pathways / Study / The University of Newcastle, Australia
Financial Support
Money Support Exists
Studying midwifery can be expensive, but there are government payments, scholarships, and specific supports designed to help mob stay in study.
ABSTUDY Is a Key Support
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying midwifery are eligible for ABSTUDY, which can help with living costs, travel, and study expenses.
You May Be Eligible for Placement Payments
Some students can access placement-related payments or allowances while completing mandatory unpaid placements. Midwifery has long clinical placements, which can make it hard to work regular hours. This is normal, and there are supports available to help during placement periods.
Commonwealth Prac Payment – Department of Education, Australian Government
Scholarships Are Not Just for Straight-A Students
Many scholarships are based on identity, commitment to community, or studying health, not just academic results.
Relocation and Travel Support May Be Available
If you need to move off Country or travel for placements, there may be support to help cover travel and accommodation costs.
Parents Can Still Access Support
If you have children, you may be eligible for additional payments, childcare assistance, or flexible study supports.
Universities Have Indigenous Support Services
Indigenous student centres can help with Centrelink, ABSTUDY, scholarships, and emergency financial support.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Financial systems can be confusing. Getting help early can reduce stress and prevent problems later.
Understanding the Changes
Preparing for Study, Placement, and Life Changes
Starting midwifery study brings big changes, not just to learning, but to daily life, family responsibilities, and wellbeing. These changes are real and valid. Understanding them early can help you prepare and get the right support.
Moving Off Country or Living Away from Home
What this change can look like
- Moving away from Country or community
- Living in student accommodation or shared housing
- Being away from family support networks
- Travelling for placements, sometimes at short notice
Things to know
- Feeling homesick or disconnected is common
- Cultural obligations don’t stop when you start studying
- Universities and services don’t always understand community ties unless you tell them
Support that can help
- Indigenous student centres
- Cultural mentoring programs
- Travel and relocation support (ABSTUDY / Centrelink)
- Talking early with placement coordinators
Managing Study Expectations
What university study is like
- Independent learning (less classroom time)
- Reading, writing, and online learning
- Assessments, exams, and clinical reflections
- Expectation to manage your own time
Things to know
- You are not expected to already know everything
- Academic language takes time to learn
- Asking questions is part of learning, not failure
Support that can help
- Academic skills workshops
- Indigenous tutorial programs
- Writing and study support
- Peer study groups
Clinical Placements: What to Expect
What placements involve
- Long blocks of unpaid clinical work
- Shift work, including nights and weekends
- Travelling to different hospitals or services
- Meeting strict attendance requirements
Things to know
- Placements can be physically and emotionally exhausting
- They may affect your ability to work other jobs
- Placement stress is common, especially at first
Support that can help
- Placement payments or allowances
- Financial and emergency support
- Early conversations with teaching staff
- Cultural support people if issues arise
Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
Challenges students often face
- Stress and overload
- Fear of “not being good enough”
- Experiencing racism or cultural misunderstanding
- Emotional impact of seeing women and babies in distress
Things to know
- These feelings do not mean you don’t belong
- Midwifery is emotionally demanding, support matters
- Burnout is not a personal failing
Support that can help
- Indigenous wellbeing services
- Counselling (on and off campus)
- Yarn spaces and peer support
- Taking breaks when needed
Immediate support
13YARN (13 92 76), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support
Studying While Parenting or Caring for Family
What this can look like
- Balancing study, placements, and family care
- Childcare pressure
- Guilt or exhaustion
- Financial strain
Things to know
- Many midwifery students are parents
- Flexibility may be available, but you have to ask
- Studying is not choosing study over family, it’s for family
Support that can help
- Parenting payments (Centrelink / ABSTUDY)
- Flexible study arrangements
- Childcare support
- Emergency financial assistance
Wellbeing & Mob Support
You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone
Studying midwifery is a big commitment. Having support around you, family, community, or student services, makes a real difference.
Feeling Homesick Is Common
Moving away from Country or community to study can be hard. It’s normal to feel homesick, and support is available to help you through it.
Yarning Circles and Cultural Support Exist
Many universities offer yarning circles, Elders on campus, and other cultural supports to help you stay connected while you study.
Balancing Study and Family Is Hard, Not Impossible
Juggling study, work, and family responsibilities is tough. Flexible support options exist to help you manage it all.
Mental Health Support Is Available
Counselling services, Indigenous health workers, and other mental health supports are available if study or life gets overwhelming.
Peer Support Can Make a Big Difference
Connecting with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can help you feel less alone and more supported through your studies.
Cultural Load Is Real
Carrying responsibilities to family and community alongside study is real and valid. Support services understand this and can help you manage it.
It’s Okay to Take a Break
If things get too much, taking leave or slowing down doesn’t mean failure. Universities have processes to support you if you need to pause.
You Belong Here
Midwifery needs more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. Your presence and perspective matter in this profession.
