Never has the welfare of WIL students been more in the public eye. Last years’ announcement of the Commonwealth Prac Payment drew attention to the financial hardship created by extended placements. This seminar discusses the findings of ACEN-funded research conducted by Professor Deanna Grant-Smith and Dr Laura de Zwaan which identified placement experiences and characteristics associated with elevated levels of general and financial stress, as well as potential financial risk factors associated with choosing not to undertake a placement. It determined that adopting a risk assessment framework may assist in the design and delivery of placements that prioritise student WIL wellbeing by maximising opportunities for student success and actively seeking to identify, manage and mitigate potential negative impacts.