If you’re studying a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a course of study that leads to entry-to-practice in teaching or social work, you may be eligible to apply for the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payment.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment helps students manage the costs associated with a mandatory placement as part of their course.
From July 2025, the payment of $331.65 per week is available to eligible students while undertaking their placements. This will be paid to eligible students once their submission is approved and the required steps are completed.
Applications will open soon. You can find more information, including FAQs on the Department of Education website.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the payment, students must meet the following criteria:
- be a domestic student enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) undertaking either a Bachelor’s or Master's degree in a course of study that leads to entry-to-practice in teaching or social work at a higher education provider.
- be completing a mandatory placement required for professional accreditation, averaging 30 or more hours per week during placement.
AND
- be on an Australian Government income support payment (e.g. Austudy, Youth Allowance, DVA Education Allowance) or ABSTUDY.
OR
- provide evidence of working on average 15+ hours per week over a 4-week period during your normal study (outside placement), with an individual income threshold of $1,500 per week (before tax) during the same period.
Reporting obligations
If your application is successful and you currently receive an income support payment from Services Australia, you must tell them you’re going to get the CPP. You should do this as soon as you know the dates of your prac placement. Learn about when and how to report on the Services Australia website.
The Australian Taxation Office will also require students to report CPP payments as income on their relevant tax return.