By Aaron Cordy
IN WHAT has been a major boost for nursing students, the Albanese Government has announced a new Commonwealth payment for nursing, teaching, and social work students. In an aim to attract more people into those professions and ease the cost of living.
From July 2025, about 68,000 university students and 5,000 vocational education and training students will be eligible for a $319.50 payment each week in addition to any income support they already receive, as part of the Federal Government’s budget in mid-May.
Nursing students are expected to complete 800 hours of placement as part of obtaining their degrees. And can be expected to do so in a multitude of roles, times and healthcare centres. The payment will help ease some of the financial burden of these students, who often must give up part-time work, find childcare for their children and commute to the hospitals and medical centres.
“We’re funding support for placements so our future nurses, teachers and social workers can gain the experience they need,” Mr Albanese said.
