The Commonwealth Prac Payment offers over $330 a week to help eligible nursing, teaching, and social work students manage the cost of their mandatory placements.
For many students, practical placements are a cornerstone of their education, offering invaluable hands-on experience. However, the financial strain of unpaid placements can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is here to help. This initiative provides financial support to eligible students in nursing, teaching, and social work, easing the burden of placement-related costs.
What is the Commonwealth Prac Payment?
The CPP is a payment designed to assist students with the costs associated with their mandatory practical placements. For eligible students, this can be a crucial lifeline, helping to cover expenses like travel, accommodation, and lost income from part-time work.
How Much Can You Receive?
Eligible students can receive a payment of $331.65 per week (2025 rate) for the duration of their placement. It’s important to note that this payment is benchmarked against the single Austudy rate and is considered assessable income for tax and social security purposes. This means you’ll need to declare it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Services Australia, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The maximum number of funded weeks varies depending on your course:
- Nursing and Midwifery: 20 weeks, with an additional 6 weeks for Midwifery students completing their Continuity of Care Experience (COCE).
- Teacher Education: 16 weeks for undergraduate students and 12 weeks for postgraduate students.
- Social Work: 26 weeks.
Are You Eligible?
To be eligible for the CPP, you must be a domestic student enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in an eligible course. You’ll also need to be undertaking a mandatory placement that averages 30 or more hours per week. Additionally, you must either be receiving a Commonwealth Income Support Payment or meet a specific work and income test.
How to Apply
The application process is managed through the university. At Flinders University, for example, eligible students will be invited to apply up to six weeks before their placement begins. The application is submitted via the InPlace platform, where you’ll need to upload supporting documents like income statements, payslips, or scholarship letters.
After you’ve submitted your application, it will be assessed, a process that can take up to 15 university days. You’ll then be notified of the outcome. It’s important to remember that you may need to re-apply or confirm your eligibility every 12 months, or for each new placement.
This payment can make a real difference for students, allowing them to focus on gaining the most from their practical placements without the added stress of financial hardship. If you’re undertaking a placement in one of the eligible fields, be sure to check your eligibility and apply for the support you deserve.