information about the adaptation course 2026/2027
On 1 September 2026, the University of Leipzig will offer an adaptation course for professional recognition for midwives from third countries. By participating, midwives from third countries can fulfil the requirements of their official assessment notice. Once participants have completed the specified theoretical and practical parts, they can apply for permission to use the professional title ‘midwife’ in Germany.
The course will be run by the Institute for Midwifery Science and Interprofessional Perinatal Medicine at the Medical Faculty of Leipzig University.
The course is based on the study objectives set out in Section 9 of the Midwifery Act (HebG) and the skills required for the state midwifery examination in accordance with Appendix 1 of the Midwifery Examination Regulations (HebStPrV).
Course objectives
The course enables participants to develop the professional and personal skills required to:
- comply with the official assessment notice and thus work as a midwife in inpatient and outpatient settings in Germany.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course lasts at least 12 months and is full-time. The adaptation course is divided into theoretical and practical modules. Individual adjustments are possible. The requirements of the official assessment notice are taken into account for this purpose. In addition, a placement interview takes place at the beginning of the course. In accordance with paragraph 1, sentence 2, § 59 HebG, the course concludes with an examination in the form of a final interview.
theoretical modules
The theoretical content is taught in a mix of face-to-face and online formats. The face-to-face phases take place at the Institute for Midwifery Science and Interprofessional Perinatal Medicine at the Medical Faculty of Leipzig University. The online phases can be attended from home. This requires the appropriate technical equipment, e.g. a computer, laptop or tablet with internet access. A mobile phone is not sufficient.
practical modules
The practical modules alternate with the theoretical modules. In order to complete the practical modules, participants need a work or internship contract with a maternity clinic. This enables an optimal combination of theory and practice.
After being accepted onto the course, participants receive an individual schedule.
information for applicants
Application period for the 2026/2027 adaptation course: 1 March 2026 to 31 March 2026
Application documents
Please submit the following documents with your application:
- CV in German
- Cover letter for the application in German
- Copy of the assessment notice on the equivalence of foreign educational qualifications
- Copy of German language certificate level B2 or higher
- Copy of residence permit (if available)
The following documents must be submitted by the start of the course at the latest:
- Copy of your employment or internship contract with a maternity clinic
please send your documents to
by e-amil in PDF format:
anpassungslehrgang.heb@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
by Post
Universität Leipzig
Medizinische Fakultät
Institut für Hebammenwissenschaft und interprofessionelle Perinatalmedizin
Stephanstraße 9A.1
04103 Leipzig
Start of the course
The course starts on 1 September 2026.
How to get in touch
Telephone: +49 341 – 97 25 162
This measure is co-financed from tax revenue on the basis of the budget adopted by the Saxon state parliament.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
I would like to work as a midwife in Germany. What do I need to do this?
- You need an official ‘Decision on the equivalence of foreign educational qualifications’ from the relevant state authority. A contact person from the IQ Network (Integration through Qualification) can assist you with this.
I would like to take part in the adaptation course. How does that work?
- Send us your complete application. We will conduct a selection process. You will be offered a place on the course if you
1.) have successfully completed the selection process and
2.) can present a work or internship contract with a maternity clinic.
I don't yet have a maternity clinic for the practical part of the adaptation course. Can you help me?
- Suitable applicants will receive a letter of recommendation from us. The letter of recommendation can be enclosed with the application to maternity clinics.
- You are also welcome to contact a representative of the IQ Network (Integration through Qualification). They can assist you in your search for a maternity clinic.
Can I complete the practical part of the adaptation course at the University of Leipzig?
- No. We only offer the theoretical part of the adaptation course. For the practical part, you must apply to a maternity clinic.
- The maternity clinic does not have to be in Leipzig. You can find an overview of maternity clinics on the internet.
Can I also do the adaptation course part-time?
- No. The adaptation course must be completed on a full-time basis. Work at the maternity clinic is carried out in shifts (early shift, late shift, night shift, weekends and public holidays).
What do I need to bear in mind?
- You must be in Leipzig for the face-to-face lessons.
- You will need a laptop or tablet for the lessons.
