If you’re completing an eligible placement, the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) could help with the costs of taking time away from paid work.
The program is set to support even more students after the Australian government announced priority allied health courses would be included from 1 July 2027.
The Scholarships team has shared five things to know before you hit submit:
1. Know when to apply
You can apply up to two months before, or up to six months after, your placement starts (provided you remain enrolled in your course).
Applying early can help you avoid a last-minute rush and accurately reflect your circumstances, especially if you are applying under the Need to Work test. Roster changes and unpaid leave during the evidentiary period can make or break an application.
If you’re eligible and your placement is confirmed – apply now!
2. Understand the evidentiary period
This is the timeframe before your placement where you will need to provide documents that support your application. It is intended to show your work habits while you study, so make sure documents do not overlap with breaks in your enrolment.
You can do this by cross-referencing your enrolment with the academic calendar. Remember, exam periods are considered part of a study period.
3. Check your supporting documents
Make sure all documents are clear and have the required information. Income Support Payment (ISP) recipients need to show their full name, payment type and date of their most recent payment.
Payslips and rosters of Need to Work applicants must show the pay period, hours worked and total gross income earned.
If information isn’t clear, attach an additional document to your application that explains your circumstances.
4. Keep an eye on your emails
Updates about your application, including requests for additional information, will be sent to your student email. An application will be declined if we don’t hear from you before the deadline, so make sure you check your emails after you’ve applied.
5. ASK for help
If the Commonwealth Prac Payment FAQs haven’t answered your questions, contact ASK La Trobe for support.
Background
Thousands of La Trobe students were supported by $6.2 million of placement funding in the Commonwealth Prac Payment’s first year.
The CPP was launched on 1 July 2025, helping to ease the financial pressures associated with placement requirements for domestic nursing, midwifery, education and social work students.
2025-26 key figures
- Total amount allocated: $6,247,541
- Students supported: 3,218
- Placements completed: 5,283
- Eligible subjects: 25
- Regional representation: 38% of total recipients
- Average amount claimed per student: $1941