Financial support

If you are required to complete a career-ready placement as part of your degree, you may be eligible to apply for a Placement Grant. These grants are provided to help cover costs directly associated with undertaking the placement, such as accommodation, transport, uniforms and equipment.

Payment amounts range from $250 to $2,000, based on the duration of the placement and eligibility criteria apply. Students who need to relocate to complete the placement may also be eligible for a Relocation Allowance of up to $500 and a Travel Supplement of up to $250.

If you have mandatory pre-placement costs as part of your placement requirements, you may be eligible for a one-off reimbursement of up to $150. The Pre-Placement Reimbursement Grant, funded by the Needs-based funding, is designed to help cover costs directly associated with mandatory pre-placement requirements, such as:

• Relevant vaccinations required for your placement (noting this reimbursement covers only the cost of the vaccination, not any medical bills for administering them)
• Mask fit testing
• Australian National Police Certificate
• Paid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• Identified placement equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Training and/or licensing required by your placement site
• Lantite Exam costs
• Paid NDIS Worker Check
• Placement shirts with university logo
• Other expenses, with evidence that the item/s are required to undertake your placement

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled in a University of Newcastle program that requires placement preparation in 2026
• Priority is given to students who meet the Needs-based funding criteria
• If applicable, produce evidence that the relevant expense is a pre-placement requirement as advised by your Course Coordinator or placement site.
• Produce a 2026 itemised tax receipt of purchase of the pre-placement expense.

Applications must be submitted via the "Application for Reimbursement of Mandatory Pre-Placement Costs" form in our Placement Portal Sonia Online.

Applications open on Monday 28 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 25 November 2026 or until funding is fully exhausted, whichever comes first.

For further information, view our terms and conditions below.

2026 NBF Reimbursements  - Terms and Conditions

If you have any questions about the reimbursement, contact your relevant Professional Experience Support Coordinator.

These funds are intended to help you with study related costs including textbooks and equipment. The funds may also be used to cover the cost of relocation and/or accommodation (which may pertain to undertaking a career-ready placement).

Scholarships are available for current, future and international students, asylum seekers, graduate researchers, abroad and exchange students, and opportunities with external providers. You will be required to submit an application to be considered for a scholarship, and funds will be awarded based on the assessment of your application.

The Higher Education and Training Institute (HETI) offers a variety of scholarships and grants to provide equal access to education in areas of need across NSW. These opportunities are available for specific areas of study, with all applications managed directly by HETI.

The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is an initiative of the Australian Government, which offers some nursing, midwifery, teaching, and social work students financial support while they are undertaking mandatory placements in their respective fields.

For more information, visit Commonwealth Prac Payment.

Students can apply for various types of assistance through Financial Wellbeing, including grocery vouchers, hardship grants, laptop grants and interest-free loans. There is also a qualified Financial Counsellor in the Wellbeing team that students can meet with.