Commonwealth Prac Payment

The information on this page is provided as a general guide and is subject to change. Final details may be updated as guidelines are reviewed and confirmed.

From 1 July 2025, eligible Curtin students undertaking mandatory placements as part of their degree may be able to access the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) – an Australian Government initiative designed to ease the financial burden of placement costs.

What is the Commonwealth Prac Payment?

The CPP is a means-tested payment of up to $331.65 per week available to you during mandatory, unpaid placements in teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work. The payment is designed to support you during your placement, allowing you to gain real-world experience without the added stress of lost income or increased expenses.

The maximum number of weeks you can receive the CPP depends on your course and is based on the minimum period of placement required to achieve entry to practice as determined by the Accrediting body.  Please see the maximum entitlements listed below:

What can it help cover?

The CPP is designed to assist with your placement-related costs, including: 

• travel and accommodation  
• materials and uniforms  
• general living costs. 

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible if you are: 

• a domestic student
• enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
• enrolled in an eligible placement unit
• undertaking a mandatory placement as part of your bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, midwifery, social work or teaching
• completing your placement on a full-time basis (minimum of 30 hours per week)
• completing a placement that occurs on or after 1 July 2025

In addition, you must:

• be receiving an eligible primary Centrelink benefit (see eligible types below) or
• meet the government’s ‘need to work’ test, demonstrating that you normally need to work more than 15 hours per week (in a continuous 4-week period during ordinary study periods, prior to applying) to support yourself and
• have  a gross (pre-tax) income of no more than $1,500 per week (during the same 4 week evidential period). This includes scholarships received from the University that are paid to you.

When and how to apply

Applications are now open. Eligible students who are enrolled in a practicum unit will receive an invitation via email to apply.

In order to be considered for the CPP, all applications must be submitted prior to the commencement of each prac placement. Please note you do not need to wait until your placement details have been finalised before submitting an application.

FAQs

Further FAQ’s can be found on the Department of Education website.

Further Information

Further information can be found on the Department of Education website: Commonwealth Prac Payment – Australian Government

If you have any questions, please contact Curtin Connect at 1300 222 888 or submit an enquiry via: https://students.connect.curtin.edu.au/app/ask