Commonwealth Prac Payment
How to apply
You'll need to apply online directly to the University by completing the Application for CPP form. Make sure to attach the required supporting documents when you submit the form as your application will not be considered complete until you have provided these.
CPP is considered assessable income for taxation and social security purposes and may impact the rate at which you receive a social security payment. You'll need to report your payments to the Government.
When to apply
We suggest you apply within the two months before the start of your placement.
You'll need to submit one application per year.
If you'll complete more than one placement in a year, you'll need to confirm your eligibility before the start of your second placement unless you're completing back-to-back placements.
Supporting documents
You'll need to attach supporting documents when you apply demonstrating that you either:
- receive an eligible income support payment (ISP), or
- satisfy both the 'Need to Work Test' and 'Income Test'.
If you receive ABSTUDY or an ISP from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), you'll need to attach evidence.
Centrelink payments
- Log in to Centrelink online services via your myGov account (find out more about logging in to myGov).
- Access the 'request document' function.
- Access your ‘Centrelink Payment Details' or ‘Income Statement’, which demonstrates your current eligibility for an income support payment.
- Download this document and attach it your CPP application.
DVA payments
If you receive an ISP from DVA, you can attach a DVA Payment Summary or a General Statement of Pension to your application.
If demonstrating that you meet requirements of the ‘Need to Work’ and ‘Income’ tests, you’ll need to attach evidence that covers a continuous four-week period during your most recent study period. This four-week period:
- needs to be either immediately prior to applying or prior to commencing your placement (whichever is earlier)
- includes the semester teaching dates, exam period and replacement exam period if you are sitting exams, and intensive sessions if you are enrolled in them
- does not include a period where you were on holidays or undertaking another placement.
For more information, read What is my CPP four-week evidence period?
The evidence you provide can include:
- payroll prints
- time and wages sheets or payslips
- a letter from your employer
- for self-employed students, client invoicing and billing information and/or sole trader timesheets.
For more information, read What supporting documents should I provide in my CPP application?
Your obligation to provide honest information
Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 and provision of false or misleading information will be investigated and may exclude an application from further consideration.
Additionally, the University expects you to act honestly and with integrity in all study-related matters, including in respect of the CPP, and to behave in accordance with University policies including:
There are serious penalties at the University for misconduct, including suspension and expulsion.
Applications audited by Government
The Department of Education may, at any time, review our records relating to CPP. This can include:
- your completed CPP application form, including if you applied for exceptional circumstances
- the documents you provided to prove your eligibility, such as payslips or proof that you receive an ISP
- evidence verifying that you completed your placement.
We're required to keep records for a minimum of seven years.
Government survey
The Department of Education may use your application information, or contact you and ask you to complete a survey or for more information, to help evaluate how effective the program was in achieving its outcomes.
Last updated: 19 September 2025
