The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is urging Diploma of Nursing students to take up the Commonwealth Prac Payment, which has just opened for applications and could prove to be a game-changer for aspiring nurses across the country.

The new payment of $331.65 per week during clinical placements represents a vital move in addressing the financial barriers that have prevented many students from completing their nursing qualifications. For countless potential nurses, this support could be the deciding factor in helping them make the move to embark on what promises to be a rewarding career in healthcare.

"We need to do everything we can to remove all obstacles to people studying nursing, especially young people setting out on the first nervous steps of a potential lifelong career," said Acting ACN CEO, Dr Zachary Byfield.

The reality facing nursing students has been particularly challenging. Studying nursing requires students to take significant time out from their paid work to complete clinical placements, creating what Dr Byfield describes as "an insurmountable barrier for some, forcing them to choose between their studies and food or rent."

The Commonwealth Prac Payment goes some way towards easing that burden, providing crucial financial support during a period when students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience but unable to earn their usual income.

The timing of this initiative couldn't be more critical. Australia is facing a severe nursing shortage that shows no signs of abating without significant intervention.

"We know that we are going to have to implement strategies to support the workforce if we are to make a dent in Australia's critical nursing shortage, which is projected to hit 123,000 by 2030 if current trends continue," Dr Byfield explained.

The prac payments represent an important first step, but ACN acknowledges that more comprehensive action is needed.

The organisation has been advocating for the Federal Government to invest in a campaign to enhance the image of nursing, particularly targeting school-aged students to boost nursing course enrolments before the workforce crisis deepens further.

The Commonwealth Prac Payment becomes available from 1 July 2025 and covers up to 400 hours of mandatory clinical placement. Importantly, students can access this payment in addition to existing income support, maximising the financial assistance available during their studies.

For TAFE students pursuing a Diploma of Nursing, the application process is straightforward.

Students can apply for the Commonwealth Prac Payment through their myGov account via the Your Career government service portal at www.yourcareer.gov.au/cpp.

Students enrolled in Bachelor's or Master's nursing degrees will receive the prac payment through their higher education provider, ensuring all nursing students have access to this support regardless of their chosen pathway into the profession.

ACN is encouraging all eligible nursing students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they receive support when clinical placements commence. The organisation recognises that while this payment is a significant step forward, it's just the beginning of what needs to be a broader strategy to support Australia's future nursing workforce.

For many students who have been weighing up whether they can afford to pursue nursing, the Commonwealth Prac Payment could tip the scales in favour of following their calling.

With Australia's healthcare system under increasing pressure and an ageing population requiring more care, every new nurse who enters the profession makes a difference.

The prac payment represents more than just financial support—it's an investment in Australia's healthcare future and recognition of the vital role that clinical placements play in training competent, confident nurses ready to serve their communities.

As applications open, the nursing profession and the broader healthcare system will be watching closely to see how many students take advantage of this opportunity to pursue a career that, despite its challenges, remains one of the most rewarding and essential professions in our society.