The Australian Government is investing $427.4 million over 2024-25 to 2027-28 to establish the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to support higher education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) students. Commencing 1 July 2025, eligible domestic students will be able to access over $300 per week while undertaking mandatory practicums (prac) placements to help ease cost of living pressures for students.
The CPP responds to Recommendation 14 of the Australian Universities Accord Report and outcomes from the 2023 Employment White Paper. These publications highlight the financial impact of unpaid prac on students and called for government funding to support nursing and teaching students.
Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles, said “The Prac Payment is one of the many initiatives we are rolling out to address cost of living pressures, build workforce capabilities and increase skills access through vocational training.”
Placements are an important part of qualifications for a range of professions to ensure graduates have the skills and experience to enter the workforce. The CPP will support students to complete their study and take up essential roles in our communities. It will encourage prospective students to take up careers in critical workforces which currently have a skills shortage—teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work.
CPP (VET)
The CPP (VET) could help around 5,000 eligible VET students each year. CPP (VET) is available to students studying a Diploma of Nursing who are required to undertake 400 hours of mandatory work placements to obtain registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
To be eligible for support, VET students must be:
- a domestic student studying a Diploma of Nursing in Australia
- receiving an eligible income support payment or meet a ‘need to work’ test over 4 continuous weeks in the previous study period.
Students are able to apply for the CPP (VET) from 10 June, with payments commencing from 1 July 2025.
More information
- Find out more about the CPP (VET) on the Your Career website and view the Grant Guidelines.
- Registered Training Organisations delivering a Diploma of Nursing, current students or individuals considering a career in nursing are also invited to register for a free webinar on 17 June to find out more.
- Visit the Department of Education website for information on CPP for higher education students undertaking a mandatory placement in a Bachelor or Master of nursing, midwifery, teaching or social work.
- Read the Minister's media release.