Australia’s universities warmly welcome the Albanese Government’s decision to extend the Commonwealth Prac Payment to students across a further 10 disciplines from next year.
This means more support for more students in more courses – helping more Australians complete their studies, enter the skilled jobs our economy and communities need, and build a stronger future for themselves and the country.
Universities Australia has strongly advocated for the payment to support more students, and we commend the government for listening and acting.
Placements are a critical part of preparing students for their future professions, but they can come at a real cost. Many students are forced to cut back or give up paid work while still covering rent, groceries, transport and other everyday expenses.
No student should have to choose between completing their degree and paying their bills.
We know cost is one of the biggest barriers to attending university and completing a degree. Extending the payment will help ease that pressure, help more students stay in their courses and support more Australians to gain the qualifications our country needs.
This matters at a time when students are being squeezed from every direction.
Since the Job-ready Graduates Package was introduced in 2021, rents have risen by 40 per cent, groceries by 27 per cent and utilities by 39 per cent, while some students are being charged more than $52,000 for a three-year degree.
Today’s announcement shows the difference government can make when it backs students. The next step is to replace Job-ready Graduates and deliver a fairer, more affordable system for all students.
