Midwifery student attrition in Australia: A scoping review

PROBLEM: Global literature suggests that attrition rates from entry-to-practice midwifery programs are increasing. However, little is known about student attrition in the Australian context. BACKGROUND: Australia faces a growing midwifery shortage, prompting calls to increase program enrolments. Evidence from the United Kingdom shows high and rising attrition in entry-to-practice programs. In Australia, the scale of midwifery student attrition and the factors influencing it remain largely underexplored. AIM: To identify and synthesise existing Australian literature on factors influencing midwifery student attrition. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Ultimate, Embase, MIDIRS, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases was conducted with key data extracted and analysed thematically. FINDINGS: Three themes and seven sub themes were identified: The themes included: Financial Hardship, Demanding Course/Program structure, Midwifery Practice Experience Environment and Disillusionment, while subthemes were titled: Financial Burden of Unpaid Midwifery Practice Experience Requirements, Impact on Student Wellbeing and Course Progression, Need for Policy-Driven Financial Support, Heavy Workload and Time Commitment, Preparation, Support, and First-Year Vulnerability, Exposure to Workplace Violence and Poor Culture, Dissonance Between Ideals and Reality (Loss of Hope). DISCUSSION: Midwifery student attrition in Australia is influenced by financial, academic, clinical, and cultural pressures. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated strategies that extend beyond financial assistance to support student success and retention. CONCLUSION: Reducing attrition in midwifery education is essential to sustaining the future workforce. This review offers evidence to inform targeted educational strategies, policy decisions, and research aimed at improving retention in Australian midwifery programs.