💸｜What You Need to Know About Commonwealth Placement Payments (CPP)
- DOKE Talent
- Jul 10, 2025
- 2 min read
If you're a nursing, midwifery, teaching, or social work student, or studying a Diploma of Nursing, the new Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) can help ease financial stress during unpaid placements. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
🧾 Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
Payment Amount | $331.65 per week (as of 2025) |
Eligible Study Types | - Diploma of Nursing (VET/TAFE) - Bachelor or Master in: Teaching, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work |
Student Requirements | - Must be a domestic student (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen) - Must be enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
Placement Criteria | - Placement must be mandatory and average at least 30 hours per week - Midwifery COCE placements are also eligible if it affects paid work |
Financial Eligibility | To be eligible, you must either: 1) receive an Income Support Payment (e.g. Austudy, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY), or 2) be employed and working an average of more than 15 hours per week, and earning less than $1,500 per week (before tax) from all income sources (including other scholarships), in the four weeks prior to either submitting your application or starting your placement — whichever comes first. This does not include university breaks. |
Maximum Weeks Paid | - Teaching: 16 weeks (Bachelor), 12 weeks (Master) - Nursing: 20 weeks - Midwifery: 20 weeks + 6 weeks COCE - Social Work: 26 weeks |
Taxable? | Yes — CPP is considered taxable income and must be declared to the ATO and Services Australia |
How to Apply | - Bachelor/Master students: Apply via your university - Diploma students (e.g., TAFE): Apply via YourCareer.gov.au |
Deadline | Applications open up to 2 months before and close 6 months after your placement begins |
Processing Time | Around 30 business days for processing. Once approved, payment usually begins within two weeks of your placement starting |
📝 Key Notes
CPP is not automatic — you must apply through your institution or online portal depending on your course level.
You can apply retroactively if you missed applying before placement starts.
If you face additional challenges (e.g., disability, health issues), you may be eligible under exceptional circumstances.
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