Claiming the money you're entitled to
Do these in order. Getting a Centrelink study payment first can also make you eligible for the Prac Payment.
Can I get the Prac Payment?
Answer yes to all four and you're likely eligible. Confirm with the government's eligibility checker.
- Are you a domestic student in a Commonwealth supported place?Yes: go to 2No: not eligible
- Is it a Bachelor's or Master's in social work, on a placement required for accreditation?Yes: go to 3No: not eligible
- Does your placement average 30 hours or more a week?Yes: go to 4No: not eligible
- Do you meet one of these?Either you get ABSTUDY, Austudy, Youth Allowance, the Disability Support Pension or the DVA Education AllowanceOr you work more than 15 hours a week in normal study periods and earn under $1,536.37 a week before taxYes: you're likely eligible
- $338.60 a weekfor up to 26 weeks of placement in 2026. It's indexed each 1 January.
Answered no? International students, full-fee students and part-time placements under 30 hours a week miss out. Look for university grants, and add your voice so that changes.
Source: Department of Education, Commonwealth Prac Payment student guide.
How to claim
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Step 1
Claim a Centrelink study payment
- Austudy: 25 or older, full time
- Youth Allowance: 18 to 24, full time
- ABSTUDY: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Claim early: up to 13 weeks before full-time study for Austudy. In myGov, go to Centrelink, then "Students, Trainees and Apprentices". Claims take time: one student was still waiting seven weeks after lodging.
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Step 2
Apply for the Prac Payment
- Use the eligibility checker
- Find your uni's form and dates: search its site for "Commonwealth Prac Payment"
- Send evidence, such as payslips or an employer letter for the work test
- Your uni decides and pays you
- Report it: it's taxable and counts for Centrelink
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Step 3
Ask Centrelink about extras
- Student Start-up Loan: voluntary, tax free, up to twice a year
- Rent Assistance: automatic if you pay rent and get certain payments
- Advance payment: part of your payment early
- Tertiary Access Payment: up to $5,000 if you moved from a regional or remote area to study
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Step 4
Look for university grants
- Rural or regional placement grants
- Hardship funds
- Emergency loans
Search your uni's site for "placement grant", "hardship fund" or "emergency loan", or ask student support. Our funding letter template helps you apply.
University placement grants
| Grant | Who it's for | Amount | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACU Social Work Placement Scholarship | ACU social work students on a rural, regional or international placement | $4,000 | Online, 1 August 2026 to 1 March 2027 |
| University of Melbourne Social Work Rural Placement Grant | Master of Social Work students relocating for a rural placement | Up to $2,000 | Automatic |
The Victorian Government's $7,500 social work placement scholarships closed in 2025 and were replaced by the Prac Payment (DFFH). Running out of money? The free National Debt Helpline is on 1800 007 007.
Figures from official sources, checked 25 September 2026. Rules change, so confirm on each official page. General information, not legal or financial advice.