Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)

The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is a new initiative from the Australian Government, starting 1 July 2025, to support students in specific programs undertaking unpaid, mandatory placements. If you're eligible, you’ll receive a weekly payment for the duration of your placement - helping you stay focused on learning without worrying as much about how to make ends meet.

If you're studying nursing, midwifery, teaching, or social work, the CPP helps ease the pressure during your mandatory full-time placements. Eligible students can receive $331.65 per week (2025 rate) to help with living expenses while you're gaining essential experience in the field.

For more information about CPP, download our FAQ document.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for the CPP if you meet all of the following:

• You're a domestic student
• You're enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
• You're studying a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
  • Nursing
  • Teaching
  • Midwifery
  • Social Work
• You're undertaking a full-time placement (at least 30 hours per week) or a continuity of care placement if you are a midwifery student

AND one of the following applies to you:

• Option 1 – You receive a Commonwealth Income Support Payment
  (e.g., Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY)

OR

• Option 2 – You meet the “Need to Work” criteria
  • You’ve worked at least 60 hours over a continuous 4-week period in your most recent study term
  • Your gross income during that period did not exceed $1,500 per week gross (i.e., $6,000 total)

How to apply

Applying is easy - just follow the steps and familiarise yourself with the notes below.

Application process

1. Complete the application form
   1. Use your Notre Dame University student email address. It should look like studentID@my.nd.edu.au. 
      Note: It is important that you use your Student ID number email address, not your first name and last name email address.
2. Prepare your documents
   1. If you're on Income Support: Centrelink Payment Summary or Income Statement
   2. If you're applying under the “Need to Work” test:
      1. Payslips showing at least 60 hours worked in 4 weeks
      2. Proof of income (showing you earned less than $1,500/week gross)
3. Submit your application
   1. Apply at least 4 weeks before your placement starts, when possible.
4. Check your email for updates
   1. You’ll receive updates on your application status via your student email.
   2. Students should ensure that they do not block any emails from HES.

Important notes

• CPP is taxable income - it must be declared in your tax return
• Receiving CPP may affect other Centrelink payments - you must declare it to Services Australia
• If you withdraw from your course, you’ll need to repay any CPP received for uncompleted placement weeks
• Keep your information up to date - let the CPP My Student Portal team know if anything changes that could affect your eligibility

HES CPP portal holiday period closure

Support Desk and Application Processing During the Holiday Period

• The Support Desk will be closed from 19 December 2025 and will re-open on 12 January 2026.
• The CPP Portal will remain accessible to students for reviewing and submitting placement applications.

Applications submitted between 19 December 2025 and 12 January 2026 will not be processed during this period. These applications will remain unapproved until 12 January 2026.

Pay Run Schedule

1. The final pay run for 2025 will occur on 12 December, with payments to students issued the following week.
   1. You need to provide bank details and have your application approved or confirmed by 11 December 2025.
2. The first pay run for 2026 will commence on Friday, 16 January.
   1. Payments will be made on Thursday, 23 January 2026.

How long can you receive CPP?

CPP is available for the minimum required placement period for your degree, up to a maximum support duration.

Contact us

If you have questions about your application or eligibility for the Commonwealth Prac Payment, a member of our team is here to help. Please contact commonwealthplacementpayment@nd.edu.au.

Application support

The CPP Application Portal is provided by HES (Higher Education Services). If you have questions about the status of your application, denials, payments, or requests to resubmit, please contact HES support at cppsupport@hes.edu.au.

To support your request, please include the following details in your email:

• Application ID
• Placement ID
• Student ID
• Student Email (studentID@my.nd.edu.au)

Our CPP Support team often collaborate with HES to support your request. Please CC them in your email to assist at commonwealthplacementpayment@nd.edu.au.