Australian guide
HECS/HELP Repayment Rates 2026–27
For 2026–27, compulsory HELP repayments start when repayment income is above $69,528. The system uses marginal repayment rates rather than applying one percentage to all of your income.
Last reviewed: 13/08/2026
HECS/HELP repayment bands for 2026–27
| Repayment income | Compulsory repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $69,528 | Nil |
| $69,529 – $129,717 | 15c for each $1 over $69,528 |
| $129,718 – $186,050 | $9,028.35 plus 17c for each $1 over $129,717 |
| $186,051 and over | 10% of total repayment income |
What changed with marginal repayments?
Under the marginal system, the first repayment band only applies to income above the minimum threshold. When repayment income moves into the next band, the additional 17c rate applies only to the amount above that band threshold, until the 10%-of-income cap becomes the lower result.
What counts as repayment income?
Repayment income can be higher than the taxable income on your payslip. It can include taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions, total net investment losses and exempt foreign employment income used by the study-loan rules.
Compulsory versus voluntary repayments
The ATO calculates your annual compulsory repayment after you lodge your tax return. Voluntary repayments can reduce the loan balance at any time, but they are separate from the compulsory repayment generated by your repayment income.
Estimate your compulsory repayment
Use CalcAussie's HECS/HELP Repayment Calculator to apply the current bands to your own repayment income and remaining loan balance.
Open the HECS/HELP CalculatorOfficial sources
CalcAussie reviews these pages against current Australian Government guidance.
General information only. This guide does not take your personal tax, financial or employment circumstances into account.