If you're completing a mandatory course placement for your teaching, nursing, or social work degree, you may be eligible for a new Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP). The amount will be $331.65 per week during placements (benchmarked to the single Austudy rate), commencing 1 July 2025.

The payment is being introduced by the Australian Government to help ease cost-of-living pressures. By providing this support, the government aims to ensure students can complete their studies and enter the workforce - helping to address shortages in these important sectors. 

If eligible, you'll need to apply directly to the University and supply supporting documents. We'll provide more information, including how and when to apply, closer to 1 July. 

Proposed eligibility criteria

To be eligible, the government is proposing that you’ll need to be:

•  a domestic student
•  enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
• completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a course of study that leads to entry-to-practice in teaching, social work, or nursing
• undertaking mandatory placements that are on average 30 hours or more per week for the duration of the placement.

AND EITHER

• be on a Commonwealth income support payment (for example ABSTUDY, Austudy, Youth Allowance or DVA Education Allowance)

OR

• meet means test criteria based on: 
  • a ‘need to work test’ where you show a need to work during normal studies by demonstrating you worked on average more than 15 hours a week either in the four weeks prior to applying for CPP or the four weeks prior to commencing your placement, whichever is earlier, and 
  • an individual income threshold set at earning not more than $1,500 per week (pre-tax) during the same period.

Exceptional circumstances

You may also be able to access the CPP if there are exceptional circumstances. You’ll still need to be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible CPP course. More information about exceptional circumstances is on the government's Frequently Asked Questions page.

What happens next

We're currently working with the Australian Government to introduce the CPP. We'll update this page once arrangements have been finalised. Your faculty or school will reach out to you as 1 July approaches.

More information

Find out more on the:

• Department of Education's CPP page
• Department of Education's FAQ page.