From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) will be available for eligible teaching and nursing students within Swinburne to support them during their mandatory placements. The CPP will help ease the financial burden often felt by students on unpaid placements.

Swinburne, along with other universities and the Department of Education, are currently working together to design the program guidelines. Details will be shared once available.

More information can be found on the Australian Government Higher Education website.
 

Key information

Who is eligible for the payment?

Local students enrolled in teaching, nursing and social work courses on a Commonwealth Supported Place and undergoing a full-time mandatory placement (min. 30 hours per week). Students must also be receiving a Centrelink benefit or meet the ‘Need to work’ Government test.

How much is it?

Students can receive $319.50 per week, whilst undertaking their placement. The payment is benchmarked to the single Austudy rate. The payment applies only to placements that are completed, and any uncompleted placements will require repayment.

When does it start?

The Guidelines will come into effect from 1 July 2025 with payments expected to commence sometime in late July 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Full details on the application process and requirements will be released on Swinburne’s website once finalised. This payment is also means-tested.

The Department of Education has asked universities to administer the payments. The University is waiting on final Guidelines to be released from the Department of Education (expected by 31 March 2025) to inform system design. We will update this site when we have further details.

Assistance and further information

If you need more assistance understanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment or have a question, we’re here to help.

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