This information is here to guide you, but it may change over time. We recommend checking with your university for the most up-to-date details.
Placements are a big part of preparing for your future career. They give you valuable hands-on experience. But they can also make it tricky to keep up with your usual income.
That’s why the government has introduced the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to help cover your living costs while you’re on placement.
Quick facts
Who can apply?
Eligible students completing a full-time placement as part of their bachelor or masters degree.
When are applications open?
Now. The Commonwealth Prac Payment became available for placements starting after 1 July 2025.How much is the payment?
You can receive up to $331.65 per week during your placement.
What is the Commonwealth Prac Payment?
The Commonwealth Prac Payment is a weekly payment of $331.65 that is offered to eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work students.
It’s designed to help ease your living costs when you’re completing a full-time placement, so you can concentrate on building the skills and experience you’ll need for your future career.
If you’re studying a bachelor or masters degree in one of these areas through Open Universities Australia, and you need to complete a mandatory placement, you may be eligible.
You’ll apply for this payment directly through your university. But don’t worry. We’ll guide you through what’s involved so you can feel confident about the process.
This is a new initiative, available for placements that start from 1 July 2025. If your placement is coming up, you can apply now.
Who is eligible?
To apply for the payment, you’ll need to be:
- a domestic student enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place
- enrolled in a bachelor degree or masters degree that leads to professional accreditation in teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work
- completing a mandatory full-time placement that is at least 30 hours a week.
You should also meet one of these income tests. Either:
- You already receive a Centrelink payment (for example Austudy, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or the Disability Support Pension); OR
- You meet the government’s ‘Need to Work’ test. This means you normally need to work more than 15 hours a week to support yourself, and you earned no more than $1,500 per week (before tax) in the 4 weeks before your placement.
Exceptional circumstances
Even if you don’t meet the above income tests, you can apply if you live with a disability, illness or face caring responsibilities that prevent you from working. You can contact your university directly to ask more about this.Which courses are covered?
The below degrees available through Open Universities Australia offer placements that are covered by this new payment.Teaching courses
Undergraduate ACU-EDC-DEG
Postgraduate ACU-TEC-MAS
Undergraduate CUR-ECE-DEG
Undergraduate CUR-BED-DEG
Undergraduate CUR-SEN-DEG
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) (English Education)
Available majors
- English Education Major
Undergraduate CUR-SGE-DEG
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) (Humanities and Social Sciences Education - Geography)
Available majors
- HASS Education Major (Geography)
Undergraduate CUR-SAR-DEG
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) (The Arts - Visual Arts)
Available majors
- Visual Arts Major
Postgraduate CUR-MTE-MAS
Postgraduate CUR-PRI-MAS
Postgraduate CUR-SEC-MAS
Undergraduate ECU-ECE-DEG
Postgraduate FLI-TEA-MAS
Undergraduate LAT-ECE-DEG
Undergraduate SCU-ECP-DEG
Undergraduate SCU-ECE-DEG
Undergraduate SCU-PSC-DEG
Postgraduate SWI-MTP-MAS
Undergraduate UNE-ECE-DEG
Undergraduate USQ-BEC-DEG
Postgraduate TAS-EDC-MAS
Social work courses
Postgraduate ACU-SWQ-MAS
Postgraduate FLI-MSW-MAS
Postgraduate GRF-SWK-MAS
Undergraduate SCU-SWK-DEG
Undergraduate SCU-SWH-DEG
Undergraduate UNE-SWK-DEG
How to apply for the Commonwealth Prac Payment
- Check that you’re eligible
You can ask your university directly if you’re unsure, or contact an Open Universities Australia student advisor.
- Complete an application form
This will be available online through your university's website. You should aim to apply within the two months before the start of your placement. However, you can apply if your placement has already started, provided it commenced after 1 July 2025.
- Submit your supporting documents
This means providing evidence of your income and work hours, or evidence of your Centrelink payments. Check with your uni for the exact documents required.
- Wait for approval
You’ll get an email to let you know if your application has been successful.
- Receive your payment
Payments will be made into your bank account weekly while you’re on placement.
Where to find more information
Frequently asked questions
Do all universities offer the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)?
They do, but not all universities administer the payment in exactly the same way. While the CPP is an Australian Government initiative, each university has its own application process, timelines and required documents. You should check directly with your university to make sure you’re following their application process.
Can I receive the CPP if I’m studying part-time or online?
Yes, but only for the weeks you’re doing a full-time placement (at least 30 hours a week). It doesn’t matter if the rest of your course is online or part-time.
How long can I receive the CPP?
It depends on what you’re studying. Each course has a limit on how many weeks you can be paid. This is based on the placement hours you need to complete to qualify for that career.
| Study discipline | Maximum number of weeks you can receive the CPP |
| Nursing (bachelor and masters degree) | 20 weeks of placement |
| Midwifery (bachelor and masters degree) |
20 weeks of placement (plus up to an additional 6 weeks for continuity of care) |
| Teaching (bachelor degree) |
16 weeks of placement |
| Teaching (masters degree) | 12 weeks of placement |
| Social work (bachelor and masters degree) |
26 weeks of placement |
Please note that some of these courses (for example undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses) aren’t currently available through Open Universities Australia. We’ve included information on these disciplines for your reference only.
What if my placement is split into shorter blocks?
If your placement is split into separate blocks (for example, you're required to complete two 8‑week teaching placements), you’ll receive your payments during each block, with a break in between.
Can I apply if I've already started my placement?
Yes, you can generally apply up to two months before, and six months after, the start date of your placement. If you’re approved, you’ll be paid the month after your placement block ends, or by the end of the month in which you applied—whichever is later.
It’s a good idea to double check the exact rules and deadlines with your university, as they may vary slightly.
What if I withdraw from my course or don't finish my placement?
If you withdraw from your course or don’t complete your placement, you’ll stop being eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment. Any payments you received for weeks you didn’t complete may need to be paid back to the Australian Government.
It’s important to let your university know as soon as possible if your placement changes, so they can update your payment and avoid overpayments.
Will the CPP affect my Centrelink payment?
It may affect how much you get from Centrelink, if you’re receiving income support like Austudy, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or the Disability Support Pension.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment counts as income, so it could reduce your Centrelink payment depending on how much you earn in that fortnight. You’ll need to report it, and Centrelink will work out if your payment needs to change.
Read more about how to report your payment on Services Australia.
Do I have to report the CPP as taxable income?
Yes. The CPP is considered taxable income, just like a salary. This means you must include it in your annual tax return for the financial year you received it.
Read more about your tax obligations on the Australian Taxation Office website.
Does the CPP replace my HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan?
No. The CPP is separate. It has no impact on your course fees or HELP loan.
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