SWSLHD Nursing and Midwifery GradStart and MidStart Programs

MidStart

Applications for the NSW Health 2027 MidStart campaign will open 9am Tuesday 19 May 2026 and close 11:59pm Monday 1 June 2026.

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MidStart is an incredible opportunity for existing registered nurses wanting to transition to a career in midwifery. It is a structured 12-month program that allows candidates to undertake postgraduate midwifery study whilst working within maternity services in NSW Health. The program provides additional training and support and combines study with paid work.
SWSLHD offers MidStart intakes across all major sites, including:

Bowral & District Hospital
Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital
Campbelltown Hospital
Fairfield Hospital
Liverpool Hospital

Further information on the MidStart programs at each hospital can be found in the Program Flyers, located at the bottom of this page.

NSW Health MidStart information can be found here.

GradStart

Applications for the NSW Health 2027 GradStart campaign will open 9am Tuesday 16 June 2026 and close 11:59pm Monday 29 June 2026.

Apply now

GradStart is an important starting point to your nursing or midwifery career, providing you with structured education and support over a 12-month period, with a program designed to assist your transition to practice.

Program Objectives

To support the ongoing individual learning and development needs of graduate nurses and midwives in the consolidation of skills and knowledge.
To promote a consistent and supportive learning environment across different facilities and clinical areas.
To foster self-directed and lifelong learning skills in a learner-centred program.
To facilitate the completion of a professional nurse/midwife portfolio to record achievements and skills as per the AHPRA standards.

Program Structure

The Gradstart Program includes:

A committed and supportive program coordinator
Corporate and workplace orientation
Up to five (5) educational support days
Two (2) six-month clinical rotations (three rotations for midwifery)

Applications

To be eligible for the SWSLHD Gradstart Program, undergraduate students MUST apply through the NSW Ministry of Health website.

To be eligible to apply for the 2027 GradStart, you must:

Complete your nursing or midwifery degree between 1st June 2026 and 31st May 2027. This means you must have received your final result during this time.
Meet all the requirements to become a registered nurse or registered midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) prior to the agreed date of your employment commencing. You can start your application for registration with the NMBA up to 6 weeks before completing your studies.
Hold Australian citizenship or hold a visa that allows ongoing full-time employment in Australia.

NSW Health GradStart information can be found here.

Program Flyers

Click the below links for each Hospital and Service’s Gradstart and Midstart Program flyers: