BACKGROUND:
Australian maternity services are under strain due to staffing shortages, with midwifery workforce deficits predicted. Increasing the numbers of graduating midwives is needed however rising costs of living threaten the affordability of midwifery education.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of financial hardship for students enrolled in Australian midwifery entry to practice programs.

METHODS:
An explanatory sequential mixed method design was adopted. An online survey gathered economic data and perceived causes of financial stress. In-depth interviews explored midwifery students lived experiences of financial stress during their studies. Survey data was analysed utilising descriptive statistics and thematic analysis applied to interviews. Ethics approval gained.

RESULTS:
113 midwifery students competed the survey with analysis demonstrating clinical requirements significantly impact student experiences, compromising their study, work, and family commitments. Key themes affirm that midwifery students make significant personal sacrifice to study and report placement poverty and financial vulnerability. Participants agreed that there was a lack of wider organisational support and recognised that this could impact the midwifery workforce.

CONCLUSIONS:
Global data suggests that attrition from midwifery programs is increasing with professional bodies acknowledging that financial hardship is a barrier to students commencing and completing midwifery programs. This study's findings provide initial data and insight into Australian student experiences to inform strategies to retain midwifery students across Australia and other similar countries.

KEY MESSAGE:
Financial hardship significantly affects midwifery students in Australia, leading to personal sacrifice and ‘placement poverty.’ Lack of institutional support for students experiencing financial stress could negatively impact midwifery program completion rates and ultimately the workforce. Urgent action is needed to develop and evaluate targeted support strategies to reduce student attrition and ensure a sustainable midwifery workforce. Poster session 3 (Group B)