Australian universities adopt free CPP software to support students

TechnologyOne has collaborated with Central Queensland University and Victoria University to develop a free software solution for universities to comply with the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) Program.

The CPP payment, introduced in the 2024-25 federal budget, provides a weekly payment of AUD $331.65 to eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work students facing financial hardship due to work placements. The scheme aims to support approximately 73,000 students nationwide who are required to undertake unpaid placement hours to qualify in their respective fields.

This new federal requirement places responsibility on higher education institutions to administer, track, and govern the CPP by July 2025. Managing the payment system marks a significant challenge for universities from a technological and regulatory perspective.

Collaborative development

In response to these requirements, TechnologyOne partnered with Central Queensland University and Victoria University to co-develop a purpose-built solution. The software, offered at no charge, is designed to integrate with existing student management systems, and provides institutions with the ability to identify and means-test student eligibility, facilitate secure payments, and monitor applications in real time.

The solution also includes user interfaces for students, enabling them to update their details and appeal declined applications. This supports students in navigating the new process and managing any changes to their personal or financial circumstances that may affect their eligibility for support.

So far, nine Australian universities have adopted the solution. According to TechnologyOne, a team of three full-time developers built the system in 50 days, and the universities completed implementation in under a month.

University perspectives

Neville Hiscox, Chief Student Services Officer at Curtin University, commented on the swift implementation.

We set aside our internal development plans and alternative marketplace options to fully commit to TechnologyOne's CPP solution - and it delivered. The platform was deployed in a very short timeframe, and despite several challenges, the responsive support ensured a nearly seamless implementation.

Tahnee Leman, Director Student Services and Support, Education Division at James Cook University, also noted the benefits of the platform.

Thanks to TechOne for their proactive engagement in providing a delivered solution to the Commonwealth Prac Payments. The solution leverages existing functionality thereby minimising implementation time and offering the opportunity to explore features we may not be fully utilising.

Industry and sector impact

TechnologyOne Chief Executive Officer Ed Chung explained that the collaborative approach was central to ensuring the product's alignment with sector requirements.

Co-developing the CPP solution with our university partners was key to making it fit-for-purpose. This included embedding the capabilities to proactively identifying eligible students, ensuring no one missed out on much needed support. Having spent the last three decades innovating alongside many of Australia's leading higher education providers it's been rewarding to give something back to the community. An innovation that not only solves an industry-wide challenge but one that will benefit students for years to come.

The CPP program is part of a wider move to address financial insecurity among university students required to undertake unpaid practical placements. Historically, these placements have presented financial barriers to students without other means of support, potentially limiting participation and diversity in key sectors such as healthcare, education and social services.

TechnologyOne's software aims to streamline universities' compliance obligations, while enabling beneficiaries to access support more readily. With implementation underway at nine institutions, further adoption across Australia is anticipated as the sector prepares for the July 2025 compliance deadline.