Commonwealth Prac Payment registrations open to TAFE Nursing students

Australians studying Nursing at TAFE can apply for Commonwealth Prac Payments from today, as part of the Albanese Government’s support for higher education and vocational education and training students.

This new payment will provide over 5,000 VET students – many already studying under the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE program - with $331.65 per week during their clinical placements.

This will continue assisting students, by easing cost-of-living pressures during mandatory prac periods.

It will help current workforce skills shortages and support the pipeline of critical workforces available to people requiring front-line support. It will also assist more students to commence and complete their studies.

Minister Giles made the announcement at Bendigo TAFE today, where he met with students undertaking a Diploma of Nursing thanks to Free TAFE.

So far, around 600,000 Australians have enrolled in the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE.  Across the country, a Diploma of Nursing is among the most popular.

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 Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is working with the VET sector to introduce and deliver this new support.

The initiative is in addition to 20 per cent of HECS and VET debts being slashed from 1 July 2025.

Applications for the Commonwealth Prac Payment (VET) will open from today, 10 June 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 www.yourcareer.gov.au/cpp

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“As a Government, we are committed to addressing Australia’s skills shortage and doing what is necessary to boost skills, particularly in industries that provide critical and front-line services.

“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, so our Government is doing something about.

“The Prac Payment is one of the many initiatives we are rolling out to address cost of living pressures, build workforce capabilities and increase skills access through vocational training.

“This payment will ease the financial pressures for students in these important industries, where prac placements are mandatory.

“The payment can be used to support students who have extra costs such as uniforms, travel, temporary accommodation or childcare, during their clinical placements.”

Quotes attributable to Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters: 

“We’re committed to breaking down barriers in our skills and training sector, making it easier for people to follow their passion while helping to strengthen our critical nursing workforce.

“Ensuring the Bendigo TAFE Nursing students would be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment was a key ask when Minister Giles and I met with students earlier this year.

“The Commonwealth Prac Payment will make a real difference for students studying nursing here in Bendigo and right across Australia.”

ENDS