The changes, which came into effect last month, meant the midwifery programme would be transitioning into a four-year full-time degree, eliminating the original part-time pathway.
A student told the Otago Daily Times that these changes left her "in limbo" and having to repeat the first year of the course.
"Although this new unified degree had been in development since 2021, students were not informed of its potential impact until very late in the process.
"Rumours began circulating around mid-2024, and despite raising concerns, we were verbally reassured that we would not be affected."
She said the first official communication regarding its impact on part-time students came in late October 2024, only months before the changes were set to take effect.
"Instead of progressing to second-year papers, I must repeat first-year practical papers and complete two additional new papers: Introduction to Te Ao Māori and Midwifery Sustainability.
"These add 300 extra hours of study [30 more credits] compared to other students, yet they offer no recognition for the additional workload.
"While these papers have been 100% refunded, I would rather not have to do them."
The student said the changes would lump her with thousands of dollars in tuition and other unplanned costs.
It would also result in a full year’s loss of income as a registered midwife, further compounding the financial strain, she said.
"Despite Otago Polytechnic’s claim that the changes would not impact current students, we were given no opportunity to adjust our study plans — no chance to defer, go fulltime or transition smoothly.
"Instead, we were informed at the last minute and told we must simply comply."
Otago Polytechnic deputy executive director academic delivery Chris Williamson said the institution was aware of formal complaints raised by four students, who "believe they have been disadvantaged in the transition to the unified bachelor of midwifery programme in 2025".
"This will see the previous standalone qualifications offered by three Te Pūkenga business divisions [Otago Polytechnic, Ara, and Wintec] replaced by one unified bachelor of midwifery programme, delivered over a four-year period.
"Senior midwifery staff at Otago Polytechnic have considered all options for the small number of first year part-time learners in the transition to the new unified bachelor of midwifery programme, which includes updated content to align with Midwifery Council expectations."
Mr Williamson said there was still a pathway for the affected part-time students to continue and complete the qualification under the new structure. However, they were required to do some additional learning (two courses) alongside the balance of their year one study (three courses).
Once completed, these students would be able to move to second year in 2026.
"Consultation with learners and stakeholders took place in 2023.
"However, Otago Polytechnic acknowledges that clarification of changes to the degree were not possible until the last quarter of 2024, and as soon as the changes were available, affected learners were notified."
The student said she had already invested significant time and effort into her midwifery studies, so she felt she had no choice but to continue.
However, some part-time students had already chosen to withdraw from their degree entirely due to the disruption, she said.
"It is deeply concerning that in a country facing a midwife shortage, institutions are making it even harder for students to complete their training."
Mr Williamson said to assist affected students, Otago Polytechnic had offered a 100% fee discount for the additional two courses.
None of the students who made the formal complaint were based in Dunedin, he said.
The changes come as Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds prepares to split mega-polytechnic Te Pūkenga into separate standalone polytechnics.
It is not known which polytechnics will survive the breakup, and which will be folded into the Open Polytechnic’s structure, but several polytechnic regions, including Otago, have already announced major changes to courses in order to remain financially viable.
