Payment information

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Payment information

The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is paid by ECU directly into your nominated bank account once your application has been approved.

Payment timing depends on when you apply and the dates of your approved placement.

How are CPP payments made?

CPP payments are made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the bank account recorded in SIMO.

Payments are generally issued in blocks of up to eight weeks, based on your approved placement duration and entitlement.

CPP Annual Statements

Your CPP Annual Statement provides a record of all CPP payments received during a financial year.

Changes to Your Placement or Enrolment

Changes to your placement or course may affect your CPP entitlement and future payments.

Important

Before your payment is processed, ensure your bank account details in SIMO are correct and up to date.
Please note:

ECU is not responsible for payments made to incorrect or outdated bank accounts.
Incorrect or incomplete bank details may delay payment.
Applying after your placement starts may delay payment.
Eligibility and payment decisions are assessed in accordance with Australian Government requirements.

Payment FAQs

When will I receive my payment?

My application was approved before my placement starts

If your application is approved before your placement begins, payment will generally be made on, or as close as possible to, your placement commencement date.

I applied after my placement started

If you submit your application after your placement has commenced, payment will generally be processed by the end of the following month, based on whichever is later:

The month you submitted your application, or
The month your approved placement block ended.

When are payments processed?

CPP payments are normally processed on Fridays.

If a payment date falls during a University closure period or public holiday, payment may be made on the nearest available processing date.

Is CPP taxable?

Yes. CPP is considered assessable income.

If you receive CPP, you may need to declare it:

In your annual tax return to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
To Services Australia if you receive an income support payment.

If you are unsure about your reporting obligations, seek advice from the relevant agency.

When will I receive my CPP Annual Statement?

CPP Annual Statements are issued annually in July and sent to your ECU student email address.

The statement covers payments received during the previous financial year (1 July to 30 June).

What information is included in my CPP Annual Statement?

Your annual statement may include:

Personal details

Full name
Date of birth
Postal address

Student and course details

Student ID
Course of study
Financial year covered

Payment information

Payment periods
Amount paid for each payment period
Total CPP payment amount received during the financial year

Why do I receive an annual statement?

Universities are required to provide CPP recipients with a record of payments made during the financial year.

You may need your annual statement when:

Completing your tax return
Reporting income to Services Australia
Providing proof of income to another organisation

What happens if my placement is deferred or cancelled?

If your placement is deferred or cancelled:

You may be able to keep CPP payments already received.
Future CPP payments may be paused until an equivalent placement is confirmed.

What happens if I withdraw from my placement or do not complete it?

If you withdraw from your placement or do not complete the placement hours you claimed for, you may be required to repay part or all of your CPP payments.

Repayment requirements are assessed based on your individual circumstances.

What changes must I tell ECU about?

You must notify ECU as soon as possible if there are changes to your:

Placement dates
Placement status
Course or unit enrolment
Income Support Payment status

Failure to notify changes may result in:

Payment adjustments
Recovery of overpaid funds
Loss of future eligibility
Compliance action

Student Intranet - Money Matters