Read our Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about the Commonwealth Prac Payment.
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When will the CPP be available?
The CPP will be available to students from 1 July 2025.
How much will students receive?
Under the CPP, eligible students will receive a weekly amount that is benchmarked to the single Austudy rate. In 2025 this will be $331.65.
Who is it designed to support and how will it help them?
The payment is targeted to those most at risk of placement poverty. The proposed eligibility criteria are designed to focus on students who typically face the greatest financial pressure during mandatory practical placements due to their increased costs incurred and reduced capacity to undertake paid work. It is an education and training payment designed to give people a bit of extra help to get the qualifications they need.
What disciplines does a student need to be enrolled in to be eligible for the CPP?
Students enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s course that leads to professional accreditation as a teacher, nurse, midwife or social worker or a Diploma course to become a nurse will be eligible for the CPP, subject to meeting other eligibility criteria.
How is it going to be delivered?
For students enrolled in a Bachelor’s of Master’s degree in the relevant disciplines the CPP will be delivered through their higher education provider. This means students will apply and be paid through their higher education provider.
For students enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing at a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the CPP will be delivered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Please visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website for further information.
What does exceptional circumstances mean?
Some students at risk of placement poverty may have exceptional circumstances, which prevent them from meeting the CPP eligibility criteria related to placement hours or means testing but who still require support so they can participate in their placements alongside other students.
This could include where a student has a demonstrated need to change the number of hours of their placement to less than 30 hours per week on average (e.g. as part of reasonable adjustments for a student with a disability) or where illness or caring responsibilities has resulted in a student not being able to work more than 15 hours per week on average during their normal higher education study.
These students will still need to be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible CPP course and will need to satisfy their higher education provider that exceptional circumstances apply before being considered for CPP support, including through provision of appropriate documentation (e.g. an individual education plan or medical documentation). Decisions on the payment of CPP to students under exceptional circumstances will be determined on a case-by-case basis and would only apply to the week/s in which a student is affected.
When can a student apply for CPP?
Further information on when students can apply for the payment will be available later in 2025.
Can a student apply for the CPP for placements that occur before 1 July 2025?
No. Payments will only be made for placements that occur on or after 1 July 2025.
Can international students participate in this program?
International students are not eligible for the CPP.
Will a part-time student be eligible for CPP?
Yes, part-time students are eligible for CPP.
What income support payments (ISP) meet the eligibility criteria for the purpose of CPP?
A list of Income Support Payments and allowances is available on the Services Australia website Income support payment - Managing your money - Services Australia. The ABSTUDY Living Allowance and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Education Allowance are also eligible income support payments.
Students who are not receiving an income support payment as outlined above must satisfy the means-test criteria.
Is the CPP taxable?
The CPP is taxable as income. All students, in receipt of CPP, will be responsible for ensuring they comply with their tax liabilities and reporting obligations with the Australian Tax Office.
If a student receives CPP, will this affect their Income Support Payment?
Students in receipt of Income Support Payments will be responsible for reporting their CPP payments to Services Australia, consistent with their existing obligation to report other forms of income and financial assistance.