TAFE nursing students can now apply for the new ‘Commonwealth Prac Payment’ aimed to provide financial support while undertaking mandatory clinical placements from 1 July.

Applications are now open for the $331.65 per week payment for those studying nursing at TAFE, as part of the Albanese Government’s support for higher education and vocational education and training students.

A free student webinar about how the CPP (VET) works, eligibility criteria and a live walk though of how to apply will be held on 17 June at 2pm.

“When I’ve travelled around the country and met with nursing students, the cost of prac placements has been a concern and at times a deterrent," said Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles at Bendigo TAFE on Monday, where he met with students undertaking a Diploma of Nursing.

The financial support would help students, by easing cost-of-living pressures during mandatory prac periods, said Minister Giles. “The payment can be used to support students who have extra costs such as uniforms, travel, temporary accommodation or childcare, during their clinical placements.”

Eligible VET students undertaking a Diploma of Nursing can apply for a grant, covering up to a maximum of 400 mandatory prac placement hours. Available from 1 July 2025, the payment will be accessible to eligible students in addition to any income support they may receive. The initiative is in addition to 20% of HECS and VET debts being slashed from 1 July 2025.

Students can make an application by using their myGov account and linking to the new Your Career government service. Students can also sign in directly to the portal on the Your Career website, using their myGov sign in details.

To apply for the Commonwealth Prac Payment (VET), visit here

To register for Commonwealth Prac Payment for the VET sector webinar, sign up here

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