Sponsorship for the Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme

Sponsorship is available for registered general nurses who would like to complete a Higher Diploma in Midwifery.

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full time minimum 18 month programme from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme is delivered by the following hospitals and their academic partners*. These include:

  • HSE West & North West: University Hospital Galway, Letterkenny University Hospital Galway, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital with University of Galway
  • HSE South West: Cork University Maternity Group with University College Cork
  • HSE Mid West: University Maternity Hospital Limerick with University of Limerick
  • HSE Dublin and North East: Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda and Cavan General Hospital with Dundalk Institute of Technology

*The Higher Diploma in Midwifery HSE Sponsorship programme is also provided in Dublin in the Coombe Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital in partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD); and the National Maternity Hospital in partnership with University College Dublin (UCD). Please refer to their individual websites for more information about their programmes and how to apply:

Successful applicants will be offered a minimum 18 month contract of paid employment for the duration of the programme. The college fees for the programme are also paid by the HSE.

Each HSE sponsored student midwife will retain their current point on the staff nurse salary scale on entry into the programme (based on verified nursing service). Students will retain their incremental date and will be granted incremental credit (if applicable) during the programme.

From the start of your training, you will actively participate in giving care appropriate to your level of knowledge and practical experience, with the supervision and direction of a registered midwife. In partnership with women, you will learn how to provide a systematic, evidence-based approach to care, responding sensitively to the needs of pregnant women and their families.

The working week is that of a full-time member of staff (37.5 hour week). College hours are as assigned with full attendance required.

How to apply

  • The next programme intake is January 2027
  • The link to the application form will be available on this page from Wednesday 27th May until Wednesday 10th June 2026.
  • For more information on the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme please see the information leaflet
  • For more information on midwifery as a career please see https://careerhub.hse.ie/midwifery/

Who can apply?

You can apply if you meet the following criteria at the time of application:

  • Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)  OR
  • Be eligible to be so registered.

After you complete the programme

You are required to work for the sponsoring agency as a NMBI registered midwife for the length of the academic programme undertaken which is 18 months for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery.

If you are not in a position to do this, you may need to repay the sponsorship fees to the sponsoring maternity site and in the case of full time programmes, the value of salary you received during the theory element of the programme.

Contact

Ms. Sinéad Heaney
ONMSD National Lead for Midwifery
Office of the Nursing & Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD)
Email: sinead.heaney@hse.ie