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Employability

Commonwealth Prac Payment

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The helps eligible students manage the costs associated with a mandatory placement as part of your course.Ìý

From 1 July 2025, the payment of $331.65 per week is available to students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below, for the duration of your placement.Ìý 

If you are identified as potentially eligible, you will receive an email from the university to your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç email address with instructions on how to apply.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the payment, you must be: 

  • a domestic student 
  • enrolled in one of the following eligible ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç programs (including double degrees): 
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) 
    • Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary) 
    • Bachelor of Social Work 
  • enrolled in one of the following eligible ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç courses in 2025 (after 1 July), requiring 30+ hours per week for the placement duration: 
    • EDST6765 - Professional Experience 2     
    • SOCW4017/4018 - Social Work Practice Level 4 - Placement A and B 
    • EDST6760 - Professional Experience 1 
  • enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).Ìý

In addition to the above requirements, you must either: 

  • Be on an Australian Government , (e.g. Austudy, Youth Allowance), Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) payment or ABSTUDY.Ìý 

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  • Meet the Means/Income test, where you can show that you need to work during your studies. You can do this by demonstrating that you worked on average 15+ hours a week in the 4 weeks leading up to either applying for CPP or commencing your eligible placement. You also need to demonstrate that you did not earn more than $1500 per week (before tax) during that same 4-week period.Ìý

Exceptional circumstances

You may be able to access the CPP if there are exceptional circumstances relating to disability, health and medical needs, or an acute personal or family life event. You still need to be enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and in an eligible course listed above. Read the  for more information on exceptional circumstances.Ìý

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are identified as potentially eligible, you will receive an email to your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç email address with a link to apply from 1 July 2025. Your application will be assessed to determine if it is successful.Ìý

    To ensure you receive the payment on time, please apply at least 4 weeks before your placement commences, or as soon as possible after receiving the email from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç inviting you to apply. If you apply for the CPP after your placement ends, your application may be rejected.Ìý

  • Under the CPP, eligible students will receive a weekly amount of $331.65 in 2025, for the duration of your placement.Ìý

  • When you apply for the CPP, you will receive confirmation of your eligibility via email, with a request to provide the University with your bank details. Payments will be processed 4 - 6 weeks after you provide your bank details. You will receive fortnightly payments for the duration of your placement.Ìý

    If you have not received your payment after 6 weeks from providing your bank details, please contact the Scholarships team.Ìý

  • Eligible students will receive an email with instructions for providing your bank details once your application is processed and approved. You will receive the payment into your nominated bank account 4 - 6 weeks after you have provided the correct details.Ìý

  • Income counted toward the $1500 threshold includes wages/wage subsidies, scholarships/bursaries paid to you and other University or Commonwealth and State Government support.Ìý

    If you receive an annual or lump sum payment during the 4-week evidentiary period, this will be converted to a weekly amount and included as part of the Income test.Ìý 

  • Yes, even if you apply after 1 July 2025, eligible students will receive payment for any time that you are enrolled and participating in your mandatory placement from 1 July.Ìý

  • No, international students are not eligible for the CPP.Ìý

  • No, the funding for this scheme was not available prior to 1 July 2025.Ìý

  • Currently the Government anticipates this program to be ongoing. Any changes will be updated on this webpage.Ìý 

  • Please contact the ADA WIL team at professionalengagement@unsw.edu.au (Education) or socialwork@unsw.edu.au (Social Work) as soon as possible to discuss your options.Ìý

  • If your circumstances change and you are no longer eligible, you may be required to return the funds. Please contact the ADA WIL team at professionalengagement@unsw.edu.au (Education) or socialwork@unsw.edu.au (Social Work) as soon as possible to discuss your options.Ìý

  • Yes, this payment may affect other Income Support Payments you receive, such as Youth Allowance. If you receive the CPP you will be required to report these payments to , the same way you report other forms of income and financial assistance. You should do this as soon as you know the dates of your practicum placement.Ìý 

    If you do not report your CPP income, you may owe a debt to Centrelink which you will have to repay.

  • Yes. If you receive the CPP you need to declare this to the ATO as part of annual tax returns. See the for assistance.Ìý

  • There are a range of and other financial aid available at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç that you may be eligible for.Ìý

Looking for help?

If you have questions about the CPP please submit your enquiry through and we will get back to you as soon as possible.Ìý

You can also find more information and FAQs on the .