Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences welcomes expanded Commonwealth Prac Payments for students
More students from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences are set to benefit from new government payments that will see them paid while undertaking practical training.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is provided by the Australian Government to assist students undertaking a mandatory placement.
Commonwealth Prac Payments will be expanded across 10 healthcare professions from July 2027.
The CPP already covers students enrolled in nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work. Today, the Australian Government announced it will expand the payment to domestic students across 10 healthcare professions from next year.
The new disciplines include clinical psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, paramedicine, radiography, pharmacy, rehabilitation therapies, audiology and podiatry.
The change means eligible students will receive $338.60 per week while on placement. Students will be able to access the payments from July 1, 2027.
Professor Mike McGuckin, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, welcomed the news and said the expansion would help support the next generation of healthcare workers.
“This will mean more of our students can participate in their placements without being discouraged by the costs,” Professor McGuckin said.
“Placements are vital to help prepare our students for their future careers. These payments will help alleviate the financial barriers for students spending time away from home.”
“Extending the Commonwealth Prac Payment is an important investment in the health workforce of tomorrow.”
Domestic students who intend to undertake a mandatory placement in the relevant disciplines, and who meet the Work and Income Test, are eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment. Applications open in February.
Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Department of Education website.