Federation University of Australia
Graduate Diploma of Midwifery
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for future professional midwifery practice and registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is an innovative program with a strong regional focus. This program is designed to prepare you with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to practice midwifery in a multidisciplinary context and various settings.
Skills for evaluating evidence for best midwifery practice and the development of self, others and the profession are also features of the program. You will be exposed to various perspectives and environments to help develop the ability to think critically about the midwife's role in the maternity care setting.
After completing this program, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
The program incorporates two models of clinical placements at both the Mt Helen and Gippsland campuses:
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, you must fulfil 120 credits or four units.
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introduction to Public Health
- Women Centred Midwifery Care
- Midwifery as a Profession
Semester 2
- Midwifery Care for Women with Complex Needs
- Care of the Neonate with Increased Needs
- Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice
- Midwifery Partnerships with First Nations Families
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non-year 12)
Applicants for this program will need to meet the following criteria.
Registered Nurse wanting to achieve registration as a midwife:
- Applicants must be registered nurses currently on the AHPRA register with a Bachelor of Nursing qualification and at least one year's recent post-registration acute medical/surgical nursing experience.
Registered Midwife wanting to upgrade their qualification to a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery:
- Applicants must be Registered midwives currently on the AHPRA register who meet the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia recency of practice registration standard.
All applicants must supply the following documents in their application:
- Evidence of prior studies.
- Complete and submit the Essential Requirements form.
- CV/resume: demonstrating 12 months full-time equivalent post-registration acute medical/surgical nursing experience within the past five years.
- Letter of employment or clinical support (if applicable).
Selection Ranking: Clinical placements allocated by Federation University are competitive, with only a limited number of places available. Applicants with a confirmed paid employment offer as a student midwife or applicants with confirmed supernumerary placement at an approving hospital will be given preference.
English language requirements
- Overall Academic IELTS band score of 7.0, or equivalent.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies might count towards this course (which means you could finish sooner). Contact the university for more information
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Following successful registration with AHPRA, graduates may work as a midwife in either healthcare or community settings.
- Midwife
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee in 2025: $4,627 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
