Midwife

ANZSCO: 254111 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

$80k – $115k Avg Salary (AUD)

Very Strong Future Demand

MLTSSL SOL Status

ANMAC Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study

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Graduate

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485 Visa

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Work

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Skills Assess

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EOI

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Invitation

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Visa Grant

Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years...

Occupation Overview

Required Qualification: Bachelor of Midwifery (3 years) OR double degree Nursing/Midwifery.

Education Path: 3-4 years full-time. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA) essential.

Job Security: ★★★★★ (Very High – acute shortages in regional and remote sectors).

Salary Potential: $80,000 – $115,000 per annum.

Course Cost: AUD $32,000 – $48,000 per year (Indicative).

Entry Req.: Year 12 completion or equivalent secondary education; academic IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no individual band score below 7.0 (or equivalent approved English test) to meet NMBA entry standards.

Intakes: February, July.

Job Description & Industry Scope

Core Role: Provides comprehensive care and support to women during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. Monitors maternal and fetal wellbeing and promotes safe birthing experiences.

Strategic Market Analysis: The shift toward continuity of care models and rural maternity gaps are driving strong demand. This presents high-priority status for migration invitation rounds.

Simple 4 Step Process

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called 485 Graduate Visa.

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Midwives must complete a formal migration skills assessment through the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), evaluating credentials and verified English compliance.

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189

Direct Permanent Residency
Points-based selection
No sponsorship required

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190

Permanent Residency
State/Territory nominated
Full access for MLTSSL roles

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491

5-year provisional visa
+15 Points for Regional
Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482

Temporary Skill Shortage
Medium-term stream
Widely sponsored by hospitals

Regional Employer

Subclass 494

Regional Employer Sponsored
Priority Processing
Direct PR pathway available

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all PR-eligible skilled visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for Midwifery in Australia?

Entry into a Bachelor of Midwifery generally requires the successful completion of secondary school (Year 12 or international equivalent). For international applicants, an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall with no individual sub-band score under 7.0 is mandatory to register with the professional board.

What are the standard course intakes available for Midwifery?

The standard primary intake windows across major Australian universities occur in February and July of each academic year.

What is the standard course duration to qualify as a Midwife?

A specialized Bachelor of Midwifery program takes 3 years of full-time study to complete. Alternative combined structures, such as a double degree in Nursing and Midwifery, generally span 4 years of continuous study.

Does studying Midwifery regionally add points to my skilled visa application?

Yes. Graduating from an approved regional university campus or acquiring relevant regional work experience grants an extra +5 migration points toward your points test score.

Is the Midwife role in high demand throughout Australia?

Yes, Midwives face critical and exceptional demand nationwide. Shortages are particularly pronounced in regional, rural, and remote public healthcare frameworks, placing this career path at a very high processing priority for migration invitation rounds.

Do I need a mandatory license or registration to practice as a Midwife?

Yes. It is legally required to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via AHPRA before practicing. For immigration purposes, an official skill evaluation must be passed via the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

What is the average salary expectation for a Midwife in Australia?

The average salary ranges anywhere between $80,000 to $115,000 AUD per year. Remuneration varies based on shifts worked, public or private institution tracking, seniority tier, and location dynamics.