HECS-HELP repayment calculator
Estimate your compulsory study and training loan repayment. In 2026–27, repayments start once your repayment income is above $69,528.
Estimated compulsory repayment, 2026–27
$3,070.80/ year
That is 3.4% of your repayment income.
Per month
$256
Per fortnight
$118
Per week
$59
Summary
- Repayment income
- $90,000
- Minimum repayment threshold, 2026–27
- $69,528
- Income above the threshold
- $20,472
- Compulsory repayment
- $3,070.80
How compulsory HELP repayments work
You start repaying a HELP debt through the tax system once your repayment income goes above the minimum threshold for the year. Since 2025–26, repayments are calculated on a marginal basis: you repay a percentage of the income above the threshold, rather than a percentage of your whole income. This removed the sudden jumps in repayments that used to occur when income crossed a threshold.
Repayment income is not the same as salary. The ATO adds together your taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses (including net rental losses), reportable super contributions and exempt foreign employment income. The calculator uses the single figure you enter, so your actual repayment can differ depending on your circumstances.
The same thresholds apply to HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans, Student Start-up Loans, the Student Financial Supplement Scheme and Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans.
Repayments at common incomes
| Repayment income | 2026–27 | 2025–26 | 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $0 | $0 | $600 |
| $70,000 | $70.80 | $450 | $1,750 |
| $80,000 | $1,570.80 | $1,950 | $3,200 |
| $90,000 | $3,070.80 | $3,450 | $4,500 |
| $100,000 | $4,570.80 | $4,950 | $5,500 |
| $120,000 | $7,570.80 | $7,950 | $9,000 |
| $150,000 | $12,476.11 | $12,950 | $13,500 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
Repayment thresholds by year
| Repayment income | Repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $69,528 | Nil |
| $69,529 – $129,717 | 15c for each $1 over $69,528 |
| $129,718 – $186,050 | $9,028 plus 17c for each $1 over $129,717 |
| $186,051 and over | 10% of your total repayment income |
| Repayment income | Repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $67,000 | Nil |
| $67,001 – $125,000 | 15c for each $1 over $67,000 |
| $125,001 – $179,285 | $8,700 plus 17c for each $1 over $125,000 |
| $179,286 and over | 10% of your total repayment income |
| Repayment income | Repayment |
|---|---|
| Below $54,435 | Nil |
| $54,435 – $62,850 | 1% of total repayment income |
| $62,851 – $66,620 | 2% of total repayment income |
| $66,621 – $70,618 | 2.5% of total repayment income |
| $70,619 – $74,855 | 3% of total repayment income |
| $74,856 – $79,346 | 3.5% of total repayment income |
| $79,347 – $84,107 | 4% of total repayment income |
| $84,108 – $89,154 | 4.5% of total repayment income |
| $89,155 – $94,503 | 5% of total repayment income |
| $94,504 – $100,174 | 5.5% of total repayment income |
| $100,175 – $106,185 | 6% of total repayment income |
| $106,186 – $112,556 | 6.5% of total repayment income |
| $112,557 – $119,309 | 7% of total repayment income |
| $119,310 – $126,467 | 7.5% of total repayment income |
| $126,468 – $134,056 | 8% of total repayment income |
| $134,057 – $142,100 | 8.5% of total repayment income |
| $142,101 – $150,626 | 9% of total repayment income |
| $150,627 – $159,663 | 9.5% of total repayment income |
| $159,664 and above | 10% of total repayment income |
Source: ATO study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates.
Frequently asked questions
What income is used to work out HELP repayments?
The ATO uses your repayment income: taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses, reportable super contributions and exempt foreign employment income. This calculator uses the income you enter, so add those amounts if they apply to you.
Are HELP repayments taken from each pay?
If you tell your employer you have a study and training loan, they withhold extra from each pay. The amounts are held by the ATO and applied to your debt when your tax return is processed, which is when your actual compulsory repayment is calculated.
Is HECS the same as HELP?
HECS was replaced by the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) in 2005. People still say HECS, and HECS-HELP is one of the HELP loan types. The same repayment thresholds also apply to VET Student Loans and several other study and training loans.
Can I pay off my HELP debt faster?
Yes. You can make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time. Voluntary repayments are in addition to compulsory repayments and are not refundable, so consider your circumstances before paying extra.
See the effect on your pay
To see your take-home pay with HELP repayments included, switch on the HELP option in the salary calculator, or read how HELP/HECS repayments work.
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Estimates only. Calculations are estimates only and are provided for general information. They do not constitute tax or financial advice. Your actual tax depends on your full circumstances, including deductions, other income and offsets. Check the ATO website or speak to a registered tax agent before making decisions.