If you’re studying nursing, midwifery, teaching or social work, you may now be eligible for financial support while completing your mandatory placement.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment is a new initiative from the Australian Government, designed to ease financial pressure while you gain real-world experience.
From 1 July 2025, eligible domestic students will be able to access $331.65 per week (benchmarked to the single Austudy rate) while undertaking a mandatory placement.
The payment will be available to those studying both online and at any La Trobe campus. It won’t be retrospective, so make sure you apply before your placement starts.
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- be enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters degree in teaching, nursing and midwifery, or social work
- be a domestic student studying on a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
- be undertaking mandatory industry placement of, on average, more than 30 hours per week for its duration (or a midwifery ‘continuity of care’ placement).
- be in receipt of an Income Support Payment or meet the ‘Need to work’ test determined by the Government
- complete an application with supporting documentation
How to apply
If you’re a La Trobe student that meets the eligibility criteria above, you’ll be able to apply soon via the Commonwealth Prac Payment page.
Applications can be made up to two months before, and six months after, the start date of your placement.
Need more information?
If you want more details about the CPP, you can check out our dedicated CPP page or browse the in-depth FAQs on ASK La Trobe.