Frequently Asked Questions

What if my placement is delayed or undertaken at a different time?

If your placement is delayed or you are required to undertake it at a different time than it was originally scheduled, you will need to submit your application at least two weeks prior to the start date of your placement. If you have already applied, don't worry - we will still assess your application. If you are eligible, payments will not begin until your placement is confirmed in InPlace and the start date of the placement has been reached.

What if I am studying part-time?

The CPP is available to full-time and part-time students; however, students must be able to meet the eligibility criteria for placement: that is, (a) placement for an average of 30 hours per week, or (b) completing a continuity of care placement.

What if I am undertaking a part-time placement?

To be eligible for the CPP, students are required to be undertaking a placement on a full-time basis, that is, an average of 30 hours or more per week for the duration of the placement.

What if my circumstances change during my placement?

If there are any changes to your circumstances throughout your studies that may impact your eligibility, you must notify the university as soon as practical.

What if I need to defer my placement?

If you need to defer your placement for any reason, you may retain the amount paid for the current placement, pending completion of the deferred placement. If you do not complete the placement, you will need to return to the University any money paid to you for the uncompleted component of the placement.

What if I withdraw from my program?

If you withdraw from your program and have received the CPP, and you have not completed your placement, you must notify the university and will be required to return the payment for the equivalent period of placement that was not undertaken. The University will provide details of the repayment process.

What if I change my mind and move to an alternative course that offers the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP)?

If you withdraw from your program and enrol into another discipline that is approved for the CPP (e.g. from teaching to nursing), your entitlements will reset – that is, the maximum number of weeks of CPP you can receive will be the maximum available for your new program. You will be required to submit a new application.

What if I fail my placement?

If you fail a placement and are required to retake or repeat it, you will not be eligible for additional CPP for the extra weeks. However, if you are retaking your placement within the CPP week maximum for your eligible course, you may apply for CPP.

Will the University report my CPP payments to the Australian Taxation Office, Services Australia, Centrelink, or other sources of financial assistance I receive?

No. CPP recipients are responsible for reporting CPP payments and managing potential impacts of CPP on any Commonwealth Income Support Payments (ISP) or financial assistance from other sources.

The University will notify recipients in writing, at the end of each financial year, the amount of CPP a recipient has been paid during that financial year. The notification will include the student’s full name, date of birth, address and total amount of CPP paid.

Do I need to apply for the CPP each teaching session?

To remain eligible for CPP, recipients should complete a confirmation of ongoing eligibility at the beginning of each relevant placement.

A new complete application is not required each teaching session; however, students will need to submit a declaration confirming their circumstances have not changed prior to the next teaching session they are enrolled in an eligible subject.

Do I need to provide details of other financial support I receive, such as scholarships?

Income from all sources needs to be considered when assessing eligibility against the income testing requirements. This includes scholarships/bursaries, wages/wage subsidies and any other university or Commonwealth and State/Territory Government supports which are paid directly to you, including payments received outside the 4-week evidentiary period. You will need to declare this income as part of the application process.

If you receive a relevant annual/lump sum scholarship/bursary from the Commonwealth and/or a State/Territory government to support your studies, the total value of the scholarship will be converted to a weekly amount and will be considered as part of the income threshold for the purpose of assessing eligibility.

If you expect to receive financial support from the Commonwealth or a State/Territory Government specifically while on placement, this support must also be converted to a weekly amount and included as part of the Income Test. If you receive multiple payments throughout the year, they should each be declared and converted to an annual rate and considered for the Income Test.

What is the maximum number of weeks of CPP I can receive under this program?

table-container(border-bottom, dynamic-width)
Course name and level	Placement requirement (weeks, rounded)
Nursing (Bachelor)	20
Nursing (Masters)	20
Midwifery (Bachelor)	20 + 6 continuity of care
Midwifery (Masters)	20 + 6 continuity of care
Teacher Education (Bachelor)	16
Teacher Education (Masters)	12
Social Work (Bachelor)	26
Social Work (Masters)	26

What are my reporting obligations?

CPP is considered assessable income for taxation and social security purposes and may impact the rate at which a person receives a social security payment. Recipients are required to declare the amounts of CPP they receive to:

• The Australian Taxation Office as part of annual tax returns (recipients should seek their own taxation advice)
• Services Australia, to assess their ongoing rates of social security payment or other allowance, if applicable
• Department of Veterans Affairs, if applicable

CPP recipients are responsible for managing potential impacts of CPP on any Commonwealth Income Support Payments (ISP) or financial assistance from other sources.