Bachelor of Midwifery

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

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 https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

Additional 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.

Alternative Requirements

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.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 7.0 Academic

• 7 Listening
• 6.5 Reading
• 6.5 Writing
• 7 Speaking

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.