Becoming a midwife in Quebec is not simply a matter of taking a short healthcare course and applying for jobs. Midwifery is a regulated health profession in Quebec, and anyone who wants to practise as a midwife and use the professional title must meet the requirements of the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec (OSFQ).
For someone starting from scratch in Quebec, the usual route is to complete the Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery Practice at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), complete the required practical training, and then obtain authorization to practise through the OSFQ. The OSFQ identifies the UQTR bachelor’s degree as the preferred route into the profession.
The career can be rewarding, but it also demands considerable responsibility. Midwives in Quebec provide care during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and the first six weeks following birth. Depending on the circumstances, their work can involve monitoring pregnancies, assessing complications, performing spontaneous births, prescribing or administering certain medications, ordering or interpreting examinations, providing health education and responding to emergencies.
For internationally trained midwives, there is a different pathway. You generally do not simply start the Quebec bachelor’s program again. The OSFQ assesses your education and professional experience to determine whether you qualify for equivalence and whether additional training is required. Depending on the assessment, the process can involve a personalized midwifery certificate at UQTR or, in some cases, the full bachelor’s program.
There is another factor that international applicants should take seriously: French.
Because midwifery is regulated by a Quebec professional order, you need appropriate knowledge of French to obtain and maintain authorization to practise, subject to the rules and possible temporary arrangements that apply to individual applicants.
This guide explains the different routes, education requirements, licensing process, salary expectations, French-language requirements, options for internationally trained midwives and what you should do if your long-term goal is to work and live in Quebec.
Quick Answer: How Do I Become a Midwife in Quebec?
If you are starting your midwifery career in Quebec, the typical pathway is:
- Meet the admission requirements for the midwifery program.
- Apply to the Bachelor of Midwifery Practice at UQTR.
- Complete the academic and clinical components of the program.
- Graduate with the required degree.
- Apply for admission to the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec.
- Obtain your professional permit.
- Register with the OSFQ.
- Apply for midwifery positions in Quebec.
The UQTR program combines university studies with clinical placements in settings where midwives practise, including homes, birth centres and hospitals. The OSFQ says completing the bachelor’s degree gives access to the profession without additional conditions under the applicable diploma regulation.
If you are already a qualified midwife outside Canada, your route is different. You should contact the OSFQ and begin the international credential-equivalence process rather than automatically applying as a first-time student.
What Does a Midwife Do in Quebec?
Midwives are autonomous healthcare professionals specializing in pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.
The Quebec government describes the occupation as providing care during:
- Pregnancy
- Labour
- Childbirth
- The first six weeks after birth
Midwives may work in:
- Birth centres
- Hospitals
- Local community service centres
- Home-birth services
Their responsibilities can include monitoring and evaluating pregnancy, labour and childbirth, identifying abnormal conditions, conducting spontaneous births, providing certain procedures, prescribing or administering medications, requesting or interpreting examinations and providing education to parents.
The role can also involve emergency intervention.
For example, Quebec’s occupational profile identifies emergency procedures such as vacuum-assisted delivery, breech birth management, manual removal of the placenta and resuscitation of the mother or baby among the professional activities of midwives.
That is why midwifery education is intensive.
You are not simply learning how to assist during childbirth. You are preparing for an autonomous healthcare profession involving clinical judgment, assessment, communication, emergency response and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Is Midwifery a Regulated Profession in Quebec?
Yes.
This is one of the most important facts to understand before planning your career.
The professional title of midwife is regulated in Quebec by the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec.
Job Bank identifies midwifery in Quebec as a regulated occupation and lists the OSFQ as the regulatory body.
The OSFQ states that anyone wishing to use the title of midwife in Quebec and perform professional activities reserved for midwives must hold an OSFQ permit and be registered with the Order.
This means you cannot simply move to Quebec, describe yourself as a midwife and begin providing professional midwifery services because you have experience from another country.
You must follow the professional licensing process.
What NOC Is a Midwife in Canada?
Midwives are classified under:
NOC 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
This is the occupational classification used by Canada’s Job Bank for midwives.
Job Bank says midwives generally require completion of an undergraduate university degree in midwifery or an equivalent qualification, together with supervised practical training.
When using work experience for immigration purposes, however, always make sure that your actual duties correspond to the NOC description.
Do not choose an NOC simply because it appears favourable for an immigration application.
What Education Do You Need to Become a Midwife in Quebec?
For someone entering the profession through Quebec’s regular education pathway, the key program is:
Bachelor of Midwifery Practice – Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
The OSFQ identifies this bachelor’s degree as the preferred route into Quebec’s midwifery profession.
The program is designed specifically around the practice of midwifery.
It combines academic learning with clinical experience.
Students undertake placements in environments where midwives work, including:
- Homes
- Birth centres
- Hospitals
The OSFQ also notes the possibility of completing a third-year placement outside Quebec.
How Long Is the Program?
The UQTR bachelor’s program is structured as a three-year degree.
UQTR reported that the program was reorganized from nine to eight sessions, allowing students to complete the bachelor’s degree in three years rather than four.
The program is therefore considerably more intensive than a short vocational healthcare course.
What Do You Study in Midwifery School?
The exact curriculum should be confirmed directly with UQTR because courses and admission requirements can change.
Broadly, however, midwifery education prepares students to understand:
- Human anatomy
- Physiology
- Pregnancy
- Prenatal care
- Labour
- Childbirth
- Postpartum care
- Newborn care
- Breastfeeding
- Complications
- Emergency care
- Pharmacology
- Clinical assessment
- Professional ethics
- Communication
- Public health
- Interprofessional collaboration
The practical component is particularly important.
UQTR has described its program as strongly grounded in clinical practice, with extensive clinical placements in birth centres and hospital environments.
What Qualities Do You Need to Become a Midwife?
Academic ability is only one part of becoming a successful midwife.
The Quebec government’s occupational profile highlights qualities such as:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Autonomy
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Rigour
- Stress tolerance
- Respect for rules and standards
- Availability
- Ability to communicate and educate
- Ability to help and advise people
These qualities make sense when you consider the nature of the work.
A birth may progress normally for hours and then require rapid assessment and intervention.
A midwife must be able to remain attentive, communicate clearly and work effectively with other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Do You Need to Speak French to Become a Midwife in Quebec?
Yes, French is a major professional requirement.
This is particularly important for applicants coming from outside Quebec or outside Canada.
Quebec requires members of professional orders to have appropriate knowledge of French to obtain and maintain authorization to practise. The provincial government explains that applicants who do not meet specified French-language education criteria may need to obtain a certificate demonstrating sufficient knowledge of French.
The OSFQ provides additional information for internationally trained midwives.
For applicants who are professionally qualified but do not initially meet the applicable French-language requirements, a temporary permit may be possible in certain circumstances while the applicant works toward meeting the French requirement. The OSFQ explains that this temporary arrangement can, with the applicable authorization, be renewed under specified conditions.
Do not interpret this as meaning that French is optional.
If your objective is to build a long-term career as a midwife in Quebec, developing strong professional French should be one of your priorities.
Why French Matters Beyond the Licensing Requirement
Midwives communicate with:
- Pregnant clients
- Partners
- Families
- Nurses
- Physicians
- Hospitals
- Birth-centre teams
- Community health professionals
You need to understand medical terminology and communicate effectively during potentially stressful situations.
For an international applicant, conversational French alone may not be enough. You should work toward professional-level communication.
How to Become a Midwife in Quebec if You Are Starting From High School
If you are a young person considering midwifery as your first healthcare career, your route is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Complete Your Secondary Education
Focus on building a strong academic foundation, particularly in subjects relevant to health sciences.
Step 2: Check UQTR Admission Requirements
Do not rely on requirements copied from an old blog post.
Admission requirements can change.
Check the current UQTR program information before applying.
Step 3: Apply to the Bachelor of Midwifery Practice
UQTR is the university identified by the OSFQ for Quebec’s bachelor’s midwifery program.
Step 4: Complete the Academic Training
You will study the theoretical and scientific foundations of midwifery.
Step 5: Complete Clinical Placements
This is where classroom knowledge becomes practical clinical experience.
Step 6: Graduate
Complete the bachelor’s requirements.
Step 7: Apply to the OSFQ
Proceed with the professional admission process.
Step 8: Obtain Your Permit and Register
You must be authorized by the OSFQ before practising as a midwife in Quebec.
Step 9: Find Employment
Once authorized, you can begin looking for professional opportunities in Quebec’s midwifery services.
How Internationally Trained Midwives Can Work in Quebec
This is one of the most important sections for readers outside Canada.
If you are already a qualified midwife in Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France or another country, do not automatically assume you need to complete the entire Quebec bachelor’s program.
The OSFQ has a specific pathway for internationally trained midwives.
The first stage is an assessment of your education, training and professional experience.
The Order’s admissions committee compares your credentials with Quebec’s midwifery education and professional requirements. It can also consider additional education and professional experience when assessing your file.
Step 1: Request Credential Equivalence
Internationally trained midwives can submit an application for recognition of equivalence of their diploma and training to the OSFQ.
The Order requires documentation such as:
- Comparative assessment of foreign education from Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration
- Midwifery education documents
- Identification
- Curriculum vitae
- Professional authorization or licence from countries where you practised
- Academic transcripts
- Detailed descriptions of theoretical courses
- Clinical placement information
- Evidence of professional experience
- Continuing education records
The OSFQ’s current requirements should be checked carefully because incomplete documentation can delay the assessment.
What Happens After the OSFQ Assesses an International Midwife?
There are different possible outcomes.
The Order may recognize all or part of your education and training.
If there are gaps, you may be directed toward additional education.
According to the current OSFQ pathway for internationally trained midwives, a candidate may receive partial recognition and be directed to the Certificate in Midwifery Practice in Quebec at UQTR.
The personalized certificate is designed to address identified educational or professional gaps.
The OSFQ currently describes this certificate as a six-month program consisting of theoretical activities and a 15-week clinical placement, with an additional placement potentially required depending on the candidate’s situation.
If an applicant’s education is not recognized sufficiently for the personalized certificate route, the OSFQ indicates that the applicant may need to complete the three-year bachelor’s program at UQTR.
How Long Can the International Pathway Take?
This is where applicants need realistic expectations.
The OSFQ says internationally trained applicants should plan for a potentially lengthy process and currently indicates an overall perspective of approximately one to four years, depending on the circumstances.
That does not mean every internationally trained midwife will take four years.
The timeline depends on:
- Completeness of documents
- Credential assessment
- Education equivalence
- Professional experience
- Additional training
- Availability of programs
- French-language requirements
- Immigration processing
- Other individual circumstances
This is why international applicants should start the professional recognition process early.
Can an International Midwife Apply Directly to the UQTR Certificate?
The personalized certificate is not simply an alternative admission route for anyone who wants to become a midwife.
The OSFQ explains that the certificate is used for candidates who have received the relevant recommendation following the equivalence assessment.
In other words:
International midwife → OSFQ assessment → recognition decision → additional training if required → licensing
rather than:
International midwife → automatically enrol in six-month certificate.
That distinction can save applicants considerable time and confusion.
What Does the Quebec Midwife Licensing Process Look Like?
A simplified pathway is:
Education
↓
Clinical training
↓
OSFQ application
↓
Credential or education assessment where applicable
↓
French-language requirements
↓
Additional training if required
↓
Professional permit
↓
Registration with OSFQ
↓
Employment as a midwife
The exact steps depend on whether you completed the Quebec bachelor’s degree, trained elsewhere in Canada or are internationally trained.
What If You Are a Midwife From Another Canadian Province?
The process can be different from the international pathway.
The OSFQ has a reciprocity process for midwives trained elsewhere in Canada.
Applicants seeking Quebec authorization through reciprocity submit their application through the OSFQ’s portal, where their credentials are reviewed. The Order may issue a regular permit or, in certain circumstances involving French-language requirements, a temporary permit.
This means a midwife from another Canadian province should not assume that moving to Quebec requires completing the Quebec bachelor’s degree from scratch.
Start with the OSFQ reciprocity process.
How Much Does a Midwife Earn in Quebec?
According to Canada’s Job Bank, the current wage range for midwives in Quebec is:
| Wage level | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| Low | $29.43 |
| Median | $43.98 |
| High | $66.16 |
The Job Bank wage data was updated in November 2025 and uses a 2024 reference period.
For Montreal, Job Bank reports:
| Wage level | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| Low | $29.27 |
| Median | $44.58 |
| High | $60.65 |
These figures are occupational wage estimates, not guarantees of what every midwife will earn.
Actual compensation can vary depending on employment setting, experience, hours, collective agreements and other factors.
Is There Demand for Midwives in Quebec?
The current labour-market outlook is Moderate for physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals under NOC 31303 in Quebec for the 2025–2027 period. Job Bank says employment growth is expected to produce a moderate number of new positions.
The OSFQ provides a somewhat more profession-specific perspective.
Its current information for future candidates says midwifery services are expanding across Quebec regions and that the large majority of graduates find employment after obtaining their permits.
These two sources measure different things, so they should not be treated as contradictory.
Job Bank’s outlook covers the broader NOC 31303 occupational group, while the OSFQ is discussing the specific Quebec midwifery profession.
Where Do Midwives Work in Quebec?
A midwife’s workplace can be very different from that of a hospital-based nurse.
Quebec’s government identifies several settings:
Birth Centres
Birth centres are an important part of Quebec’s midwifery model.
Hospitals
Midwives can provide care in hospital settings, particularly where the client’s care and circumstances call for it.
Homes
Home birth is part of the midwifery model where appropriate and planned within the professional framework.
CLSCs
Local community service centres are also identified as workplaces for midwives in Quebec.
The variety of settings is one reason the profession can appeal to people who prefer community-based and continuity-of-care models.
Are There Midwife Scholarships in Quebec?
Yes, Quebec currently offers a targeted midwifery scholarship program for certain regions.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the Quebec government says scholarships of up to $30,000 each are available to eligible students enrolled in the UQTR bachelor’s program or the personalized certificate program.
However, this is not a general scholarship available to every applicant.
The program targets specified regions, including:
- Bas-Saint-Laurent
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- Côte-Nord
- Gaspésie
- Nunavik
- Cree territory of James Bay
The government states that eligible scholarship recipients must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, reside in Quebec and meet the other program conditions. Recipients also commit to working in an eligible establishment for at least three years after completing the studies supported by the scholarship.
This distinction is important for international applicants.
A scholarship being available to midwifery students does not mean that every international student is eligible.
Can International Students Study Midwifery in Quebec?
International students should investigate the current UQTR admission and immigration requirements before making financial commitments.
Quebec’s government explains that students first apply to a designated educational institution and, after receiving confirmation of admission, proceed with the relevant study authorization process.
However, admission to a university program and authorization to practise a regulated profession are two separate matters.
Before enrolling, an international applicant should confirm:
- Whether the program accepts their applicant category.
- Whether they meet the academic requirements.
- Whether they can obtain the required study authorization.
- Whether completing the program leads to the professional pathway they expect.
- What French-language requirements apply.
- What immigration options may be available after graduation.
Do not choose a Canadian healthcare program solely because you saw an advertisement promising a job or permanent residence.
Can a Midwife Get Permanent Residence in Canada?
A midwife may potentially qualify for Canadian immigration programs, but being a midwife does not automatically lead to permanent residence.
Your immigration options depend on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Language ability
- Work experience
- Canadian work experience
- Job offer
- Province
- Immigration program
- Immigration status
For someone planning to settle in Quebec, there is another important consideration: Quebec has its own immigration selection system and policies.
Therefore, someone interested in becoming a Quebec midwife should research Quebec immigration programs separately from the professional licensing process.
A midwifery permit does not equal permanent residence.
A job offer does not automatically equal permanent residence.
And graduating from UQTR does not by itself guarantee an immigration outcome.
Can a Foreign Midwife Work in Quebec Without Repeating Her Entire Education?
Possibly.
This is one of the biggest advantages of Quebec’s credential-recognition pathway for internationally trained midwives.
The OSFQ evaluates international education, training and professional experience individually. Some candidates may receive partial recognition and be directed toward the personalized UQTR certificate rather than the full bachelor’s program.
However, there is no guarantee that a foreign qualification will be accepted.
The assessment is individual.
The OSFQ currently states that candidates can expect the complete process to potentially take between one and four years, depending on the circumstances.
Documents International Midwives Should Start Collecting
If you are planning to apply from outside Canada, start organizing your documents early.
You may need:
- Passport or official identification
- Midwifery degree
- Academic transcripts
- Course descriptions
- Clinical placement records
- Professional licence
- Evidence of authorization to practise
- Employment letters
- Professional experience records
- Continuing education records
- Curriculum vitae
- French-language documentation where applicable
- Certified translations where required
Keep original documents safely.
The OSFQ specifically instructs applicants to follow its document and translation requirements and to submit applications through the appropriate portal.
Common Mistakes International Midwives Make
Mistake 1: Assuming Canadian Experience Is Mandatory
Do not assume that you must first become a nurse or PSW in Canada.
Start by asking the regulator whether your existing midwifery education and experience can be assessed.
Mistake 2: Ignoring French
French is not a minor issue in Quebec professional practice.
Start learning professional French early.
Mistake 3: Applying for Jobs Before Licensing
You should understand the regulatory requirements before presenting yourself as authorized to practise.
Mistake 4: Sending Incomplete Documents
Credential recognition can be delayed by missing academic records, course descriptions or employment evidence.
Mistake 5: Paying an Unofficial Agent
Use the OSFQ and Quebec government as your primary sources for licensing and immigration information.
Be extremely cautious about anyone promising:
- Guaranteed licensing
- Guaranteed employment
- Guaranteed permanent residence
- Guaranteed immigration approval
Mistake 6: Confusing Immigration With Professional Licensing
There are two separate processes.
Professional recognition: Can you legally practise midwifery in Quebec?
Immigration: Can you legally study, live and work in Quebec?
You may need to complete both.
How to Prepare Before Moving to Quebec
If you are outside Canada and want to become a midwife in Quebec, preparation can begin before you travel.
Improve Your French
Work on:
- Medical vocabulary
- Pregnancy terminology
- Labour and delivery terminology
- Patient communication
- Professional documentation
- Healthcare conversations
Organize Your Credentials
Scan and securely store your:
- Degrees
- Transcripts
- Licences
- Clinical records
- Employment letters
Research the OSFQ Pathway
Determine whether you fall under:
- Quebec-trained graduate
- Canadian-trained midwife
- France/Switzerland-trained midwife
- Internationally trained midwife
Research Immigration Separately
Do not wait until the licensing process is complete before learning about your immigration options.
Budget for the Process
Consider:
- Credential assessment
- Translation
- Licensing fees
- Tuition
- Travel
- Immigration fees
- Housing
- Language training
- Examination fees where applicable
A Practical Roadmap for Becoming a Midwife in Quebec
Route A: Starting From Scratch
Secondary education
↓
Apply to UQTR
↓
Bachelor of Midwifery Practice
↓
Academic + clinical training
↓
Graduation
↓
OSFQ application
↓
Professional permit
↓
Registration
↓
Midwifery employment
Route B: Internationally Trained Midwife
Existing midwifery education and experience
↓
OSFQ equivalence application
↓
Credential and professional assessment
↓
Full or partial recognition
↓
Additional training if required
↓
UQTR personalized certificate where recommended
↓
French-language requirements
↓
OSFQ permit
↓
Registration
↓
Employment
This second route can be significantly different from starting the profession from zero.
Is Midwifery a Good Career in Quebec?
There are several objective factors worth considering.
Compensation
Job Bank reports a Quebec median wage of about $43.98 per hour for midwives, based on its current wage estimates.
Professional Scope
Midwives have substantial responsibility for pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.
Employment Outlook
Job Bank currently rates the broader NOC 31303 outlook in Quebec as Moderate for 2025–2027.
Regional Opportunities
The Quebec government is currently offering targeted scholarships designed to encourage midwifery service in several regions outside the major urban centres.
Professional Requirements
The profession is regulated, meaning you must satisfy the OSFQ’s requirements before practising independently.
These factors give you a clearer picture than simply asking whether midwifery is “a good job.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a midwife in Quebec?
For someone starting from scratch, the UQTR bachelor’s program is structured to be completed in three years.
Internationally trained midwives have a different pathway. The OSFQ says the overall recognition and integration process can take approximately one to four years depending on the individual’s circumstances.
What university offers midwifery in Quebec?
The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières offers the Bachelor’s in Midwifery Practice and is the university identified by the OSFQ for the Quebec education pathway.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to become a midwife in Quebec?
For the standard Quebec education pathway, yes. The preferred route is the UQTR bachelor’s degree in midwifery practice.
Internationally trained midwives may instead have their existing education assessed for equivalence.
Can I become a midwife in Quebec with a nursing degree?
A nursing degree does not automatically make you a licensed midwife.
Midwifery is a separate regulated profession with its own education and professional requirements.
If you are already a nurse and want to become a midwife, you should review the current UQTR admission requirements and OSFQ pathway rather than assuming your nursing qualification substitutes for midwifery training.
Can an international midwife work in Quebec?
Yes, potentially.
Internationally trained midwives can apply to the OSFQ for recognition of their education and training. The Order assesses their qualifications and professional experience and may require additional education.
Does Quebec require midwives to speak French?
Yes. Members of Quebec professional orders must have appropriate knowledge of French to obtain and maintain professional authorization, subject to the rules applicable to their circumstances.
How much does a midwife make in Quebec?
Job Bank currently reports a Quebec median wage of $43.98 per hour, with a reported range of $29.43 to $66.16 per hour.
Is midwifery regulated in Quebec?
Yes. The Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec regulates the profession.
You need an OSFQ permit and registration to practise as a midwife in Quebec.
Can I work as a midwife in Quebec without joining the OSFQ?
Generally, no. Anyone wanting to use the title and perform reserved professional activities must hold the required OSFQ authorization and be registered, subject to the specific legal exceptions.
Can I get a scholarship to study midwifery in Quebec?
There is currently a Quebec government scholarship program for eligible students in specified regions. For 2026–2027, awards can reach $30,000, but eligibility includes citizenship or permanent-resident and residency requirements, among others.
Can I study midwifery in Quebec as an international student?
Potentially, but admission, study authorization, professional licensing and immigration are separate issues.
Before applying, confirm the current UQTR admission requirements and the immigration requirements applicable to your situation.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a midwife in Quebec is a serious professional pathway, but the route is clearly defined once you understand the distinction between education, licensing and immigration.
If you are starting from scratch, the main educational pathway is the Bachelor of Midwifery Practice at UQTR, followed by the professional admission process with the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec.
If you are already a qualified midwife outside Canada, do not assume that you need to repeat your entire education. The OSFQ has a formal equivalence process that considers your education, clinical training and professional experience. Depending on the assessment, you may need additional training through UQTR or, in some circumstances, the full bachelor’s program.
And if you are an international applicant, start working on French early.
The professional title is regulated, the work carries significant clinical responsibility, and Quebec’s language requirements are part of the professional landscape.
For someone prepared to invest in the education, clinical training, language skills and licensing process, midwifery can become a specialized healthcare career serving families across Quebec.
The safest way to plan your next step is to use the OSFQ for licensing and credential-recognition information, UQTR for education and admission information, and the Government of Quebec and Government of Canada for immigration requirements. Requirements can change, so verify the current rules before paying tuition, submitting credentials or making immigration decisions.
