$6,020 Living Cost Support for Students in Australia – Good news for university students in Australia—starting July 1, 2025, you could receive up to $6,020 per year in living cost support through the new Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP). This game-changing benefit is designed to ease the burden of unpaid practical placements, especially for students in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work programs.
Whether you’re studying full-time or advising students through university support services, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and payment structure to how and when to apply.
$6,020 Living Cost Support for Students in Australia
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) |
| Annual Support | Up to $6,020 per student |
| Weekly Amount | $319.50/week |
| Eligible Fields | Teaching, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work |
| Start Date | 1 July 2025 |
| Eligibility | Australian citizens/permanent residents; means-tested |
| Application Process | Via universities (starting mid-2025) |
| Taxable Income? | Yes – must be declared to ATO |
| Official Source | education.gov.au |
The $6,020 Commonwealth Prac Payment is a breakthrough support scheme for Australian students in high-need professional programs. If you’re studying nursing, teaching, midwifery, or social work—and your degree requires unpaid placements—this benefit is designed to help you focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and graduating without added financial strain.
What Is the Commonwealth Prac Payment?
The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is a government-funded support scheme helping university students manage living costs during mandatory unpaid placements.
It’s part of the federal government’s wider commitment to:
- Support low- and middle-income students
- Strengthen Australia’s future workforce
- Reduce financial pressure on critical-care and education students
The payment amount is $319.50 per week, aligned with the Austudy base rate. Over the course of one or more placements, eligible students can receive up to $6,020 per year.
“Placements can be financially crippling,” says Sarah*, a 2nd-year nursing student in NSW. “This payment would’ve meant I didn’t have to skip meals or borrow money just to get through.”
Who Is Eligible for the $6,020 Student Support?
To qualify, students must meet the following four major criteria:
Enrolled in an Eligible Course
You must be completing a Bachelor or Master’s degree in:
- Teaching
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Social Work
These fields involve compulsory practical placements without pay, often lasting several weeks.
Undertaking a Mandatory Unpaid Placement
The benefit only applies during unpaid placements that are part of your degree requirements.
Meet Means-Tested Conditions
You may be eligible if you:
- Receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY
- Work substantial hours to support yourself while studying
Means-testing ensures that support goes to those who need it most. Full income thresholds will be detailed by the Department of Education before the rollout.
Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
International students are not eligible for this support.
How Much Will You Receive?
Here’s a quick breakdown by placement length:
| Placement Duration | Total Payment |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $639.00 |
| 4 weeks | $1,278.00 |
| 6 weeks | $1,917.00 |
| 12 weeks | $3,834.00 |
| Full year (capped) | $6,020.00 |
Important: This benefit is in addition to other income support you may already receive.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Prac Payment?
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you’re enrolled in an eligible degree, and plan your placement dates accordingly.
Step 2: Contact Your University
Universities will manage the application process. Start discussions early with:
- Student support offices
- Placement coordinators
- Centrelink support staff
Step 3: Submit Documentation
You’ll likely need:
- Proof of enrollment
- Placement confirmation letter
- Evidence of income support (or self-supporting work)
Step 4: Receive Weekly Payments
Payments will be direct-deposited weekly during your placement period.
Note: The benefit is taxable income. Visit ATO’s student income support page to learn more.
Real-Life Example
Meet Leah, a 3rd-year teaching student. Her 8-week placement at a public school means she can’t work her casual job. Under CPP, she could receive:
8 weeks x $319.50 = $2,556.00
This amount could cover rent, transport, and food, ensuring she focuses on her placement—not financial survival.
Tips to Maximize Your CPP Benefit
- Plan your placement in advance and coordinate it with your semester break or quieter periods.
- Combine Youth Allowance + CPP to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Keep good financial records for tax and future audits.
- Check if your scholarship affects eligibility—some scholarships may count toward your income.
How This Helps Australia’s Workforce?
Australia is facing growing shortages in:
- Healthcare (nurses & midwives)
- Teaching (especially in regional areas)
- Social work and mental health services
By making placement periods financially viable, the government hopes to:
- Boost student retention
- Encourage regional placements
- Prepare more skilled professionals for underserved communities
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FAQs About $6,020 Living Cost Support for Students in Australia
Can I get this payment more than once?
Yes, if you complete multiple unpaid placements in a year, you can continue receiving weekly payments, up to the $6,020 cap.
What if I already receive a scholarship?
It depends. Scholarships could affect your income test eligibility, so check with your university or Services Australia.
What happens if I start a placement before July 2025?
The payment will only apply to placements that begin on or after July 1, 2025.
Will this affect my Centrelink payments?
CPP is separate from Centrelink, but you must still declare it if requested. It may affect Family Tax Benefit or other means-tested benefits.
Where can I get help?
- Education.gov.au
- StudyAssist
- [Your university’s student services]
