HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator
Find out how much you'll repay this year and how long until your student debt is paid off.
| Monthly Repayment | — |
| Effective Rate | — |
| Years to Repay | — |
| Debt-Free Year | — |
How HECS-HELP Repayments Work
HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their university fees. Unlike a regular loan, you don't make repayments until your income exceeds a threshold — and the repayment amount is based on your income, not the size of your debt.
Repayments are made through the tax system. When you lodge your tax return, the ATO calculates your required repayment and adjusts your refund (or bill) accordingly. Most employers also withhold extra tax if you declare a HECS-HELP debt on your TFN declaration.
2026–27 Repayment Thresholds
Since 1 July 2025, HELP repayments are calculated on a marginal basis — you repay only on the income above the threshold, not on your whole income. For 2026–27:
- Below $69,528: No repayment required
- $69,528 – $129,717: 15c for each $1 above $69,528
- $129,718 – $186,050: $9,028 plus 17c for each $1 above $129,717
- $186,051 and above: 10% of your total repayment income
For example, on a repayment income of $80,000 you repay 15% of ($80,000 − $69,528) = about $1,571 for the year — an effective rate of roughly 2%. The old system, where a single rate applied to your entire income once you crossed a threshold, was abolished on 1 July 2025.
HECS Indexation
On 1 June each year, your HECS-HELP balance is indexed. Since 2023 the indexation rate is the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wage Price Index (WPI), which keeps it closer to wage growth. Indexation was 3.2% on 1 June 2025 and 2.8% on 1 June 2026 — well down from the 7.1% spike in 2023. Making voluntary repayments before 1 June reduces the balance subject to indexation.
Repayment Income
Your repayment income includes your taxable income plus any reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses, and reportable employer super contributions. It may be higher than your basic salary.