From 1 July, undergraduates studying a Bachelor of nursing or midwifery at university, or a diploma of nursing at TAFE, will have access to $331.65 per week during their mandatory clinical placements, as part of the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) (if eligibility criteria is met).

Why are nursing and midwifery students receiving the CPP ?

The payment was introduced to help alleviate the financial pressures, known as ‘placement poverty’ faced by nursing and midwifery students whilst undertaking mandatory clinical placements. The payment is designed to help bridge the gap of lost income, and out of pocket expenses such as travel, tolls, accommodation, parking and uniform experienced by students while on placement during their degree.

How much will nursing and midwifery student get?

Under the CPP, eligible students will be able to receive a weekly amount of $331.65, benchmarked to the single Austudy rate for 2025.

How do I know if I am eligible for the payment?

If you meet the following criteria you can apply to receive the CCP:

• You are a domestic student, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. International students are not eligible for the CCP.
• You are enrolled in a nursing and or midwifery degree or enrolled nursing diploma course, either part-time or full time.
• You are undertaking a mandatory placement that is on average 30 hours or more a week for the duration of the placement.
• You meet the means testing requirement outlined below.

What does ‘means tested’ mean?

Means testing is a process used to determine someone’s eligibility for a government program or benefit based on your income.

To receive the CCP nursing and midwifery students must meet certain financial parameters in addition to the above criteria to receive the CCP. You must:

• be on a Commonwealth income support payment (eg. ABSTUDY, AUSTUDY, Youth Allowance or DVA Education Allowance) OR
• work more than 15 hours per week during your normal studies to support yourself financially. You will need to demonstrate you work on average more than 15 hours a week either in the four weeks prior to applying for CPP or the four weeks prior to commencing your placement (whichever is earlier)
• not earn more than $1,500 per week (pre-tax) on average during the same period. This includes any money earned from scholarships or government assistance.

How do you apply?

• University students must apply through their university. You will need to provide evidence and supporting documentation that you meet the eligibility requirements outlined, before you commence your clinical placement.  You should be able to find more information about applying for the CCP through your university nursing faculty.
• For TAFE students enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the CPP will be delivered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations directly to students.
• Applications for the CPP (VET) are now open
• Please note you cannot apply for CPP placements that occur before 1 July 2025.

Got more questions?

Find out more information about the Commonwealth Prac Payment here