Australia HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator
Estimate your HECS-HELP (HELP) student-loan repayment using Australia's marginal repayment rates. Enter your repayment income to see the amount withheld.
What is this tool?
HECS-HELP is the Australian student loan scheme. Repayments are not deducted from your pay like a tax; instead, once your income passes a threshold, a percentage is withheld through the tax system based on your repayment income. The rate is marginal — it applies to your whole repayment income, not just the amount above the threshold.How it works
Enter your repayment income (usually your taxable income plus certain untaxed amounts). The tool finds your marginal repayment rate and calculates the amount withheld.HECS-HELP repayment rates (2026-27)
Since 1 July 2025 compulsory repayments are calculated marginally — the rate applies only to income above each threshold, not to your whole income. Thresholds are indexed each year.
| Repayment income | Compulsory repayment |
|---|---|
| Up to $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 total repayment income |
Repayment income
"Repayment income" is generally your taxable income plus any exempt foreign employment income, reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions and net investment losses. Most employees can use their taxable income as a close estimate.
How to use
- Enter repayment income in AUD.
- Press Calculate.
- Read the marginal rate and repayment amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do repayments start?
Repayments begin once your repayment income is above the minimum threshold — $69,528 for 2026-27. Below it, the rate is 0%.
Is the rate marginal?
Yes. Each rate applies only to the portion of income within its band — 15c per $1 above $69,528 up to $129,717, then $9,028 plus 17c per $1 above $129,717 up to $186,050, and 10% of your total repayment income above that. It is not applied to your entire income.
How is it collected?
Your employer withholds it through the PAYG system using the figures on your income statement; you do not pay a separate bill each month.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation.
Tips & Advice
Voluntary payments above the compulsory amount reduce your debt faster and are not refundable.Related Tools
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Sources & References
Last reviewed: September 2026.
- Australian Taxation Office – Study and training support loans.
Limitations
Uses the marginal repayment thresholds and rates in force from 1 July 2025 (the most recent legislated schedule; thresholds are normally indexed each 1 July) and applies them to repayment income. It does not model the 10% uplift on HELP debts for those who studied overseas, indexation of the outstanding balance, or the interaction with the Medicare levy and tax offsets. Repayment income includes more than salary, so your employer’s withholding may differ.