HECS Repayment Calculator Australia
See exactly how much HECS/HELP you'll repay — calculated at 2025–26 ATO repayment rates. Enter your income and outstanding debt below to get your weekly, monthly and annual repayment amount.
Your details
Your HECS repayment
HECS Repayment Threshold Table (2025–26)
Repayment rate applies to your entire repayment income — not just the amount above the threshold.
| Repayment income from | Rate | Example income | Annual repayment | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,435 – $62,849 | 1.0% | $55,000 | $550 | $46 |
| $62,850 – $66,619 | 2.0% | $65,000 | $1,300 | $108 |
| $66,620 – $70,617 | 2.5% | $70,000 | $1,750 | $146 |
| $70,618 – $74,854 | 3.0% | $75,000 | $2,250 | $188 |
| $74,855 – $79,345 | 3.5% | $80,000 | $2,800 | $233 |
| $79,346 – $84,106 | 4.0% | $85,000 | $3,400 | $283 |
| $84,107 – $89,153 | 4.5% | $90,000 | $4,050 | $338 |
| $89,154 – $94,502 | 5.0% | $95,000 | $4,750 | $396 |
| $94,503 – $100,173 | 5.5% | $100,000 | $5,500 | $458 |
| $100,174 – $106,184 | 6.0% | $110,000 | $6,600 | $550 |
| $106,185 – $112,555 | 6.5% | $120,000 | $7,800 | $650 |
| $112,556 – $119,308 | 7.0% | $130,000 | $9,100 | $758 |
| $119,309 – $126,467 | 7.5% | $140,000 | $10,500 | $875 |
| $126,468 – $134,055 | 8.0% | $150,000 | $12,000 | $1,000 |
| $134,056 – $142,099 | 8.5% | $160,000 | $13,600 | $1,133 |
| $142,100 – $150,625 | 9.0% | $180,000 | $16,200 | $1,350 |
| $150,626+ | 9.5% | $200,000 | $19,000 | $1,583 |
Source: ATO 2025–26 Study and Training Loan repayment thresholds
How does HECS/HELP repayment work in Australia?
HECS-HELP (and other study loans such as VSL, SSL, ABSTUDY SSL, and TSL) are repaid through the tax system once your repayment income exceeds the annual threshold — $54,435 in 2025–26. You don't receive a bill; instead, your employer withholds the repayment amount alongside your regular income tax, based on a withholding variation your employer applies automatically.
The repayment rate starts at 1% and increases in steps up to 10% for incomes above $150,626. Crucially, the rate applies to your entire taxable income — not just the portion above the threshold. This means crossing a repayment threshold can increase the total amount withheld significantly.
When do HECS repayments start?
Repayments begin in the financial year your income first exceeds $54,435. There's no minimum repayment amount — the rate is applied to your full income once you pass the threshold. If your income drops below the threshold in a future year, repayments pause automatically. You never pay more than your outstanding balance.
How to reduce your HECS debt faster
- Voluntary repayments of $500 or more can be made at any time via the ATO's online services or myGov
- Voluntary repayments no longer attract a bonus discount (the 5% bonus was removed in 2017)
- Salary sacrificing to super reduces your taxable income — which may lower your HECS repayment rate if you're near a threshold
- Income below the threshold? Your employer should not be withholding — update your tax file number declaration
HECS repayment vs take-home pay
HECS repayments come out of your pay before you receive it, alongside tax. At a $80,000 income your HECS rate is 4.0%, costing $3,200 per year — or about $267 per month. At $100,000 the rate rises to 5.5% ($5,500/yr). At $120,000 it's 7.5% ($9,000/yr). Use the calculator at the top of this page to see your exact figures.
For a complete picture of your after-tax, after-HECS take-home pay — including salary sacrifice, Medicare levy, and employer super — use the full Salary & HECS Calculator.
Does HECS reduce taxable income?
No. HECS/HELP repayments are not a tax deduction. They are calculated on your repayment income (taxable income plus some adjustments like reportable fringe benefits and net investment losses) and withheld separately from income tax. Paying HECS does not lower the amount of tax you owe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HECS repayment threshold for 2025–26?
The minimum repayment income is $54,435 for the 2025–26 financial year. Below this income, no repayment is required.
How do I check my HECS balance?
Log in to myGov and navigate to the ATO section. Under "Loans and debts" you'll see your current HECS/HELP balance, including any interest indexation applied on 1 June each year.
Is HECS debt indexed?
Yes. HECS/HELP balances are indexed to CPI each year on 1 June. In recent years (2023, 2024) indexation was above 7%, significantly increasing outstanding balances. However, the government has capped indexation at the lower of CPI and the Wage Price Index from 2025.
Can I salary sacrifice to reduce my HECS repayment?
Partially. Salary sacrificing into super reduces your taxable income. If this drops you into a lower HECS repayment band, you'll repay less that year. However, reportable employer super contributions (RESC) are added back to your repayment income, which limits the effect of salary sacrifice on HECS.