HECS repayment calculator 2026-27
See how much of your HECS-HELP debt you will repay this year under the marginal repayment system, and roughly how long until it is paid off.
Your compulsory repayment (2026-27)
Repayment for the year
$2,320.80
Paying off HELP and investing too?
Salary sacrifice, rental losses and fringe benefits all raise your repayment income. A registered tax agent can model the trade-offs before you lodge.
Browse all registered tax agentsHECS repayments on common incomes (2026-27)
Repayment income, full year. The last column shows the same income under the 2025-26 thresholds.
| Repayment income | Repayment 2026-27 | Per fortnight | Repayment 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | $70.80 | $3 | $450.00 |
| $80,000 | $1,570.80 | $60 | $1,950.00 |
| $90,000 | $3,070.80 | $118 | $3,450.00 |
| $100,000 | $4,570.80 | $176 | $4,950.00 |
| $120,000 | $7,570.80 | $291 | $7,950.00 |
| $150,000 | $12,476.11 | $480 | $12,950.00 |
| $200,000 | $20,000.00 | $769 | $20,000.00 |
HELP repayment thresholds 2026-27
| Repayment income | Repayment on this income |
|---|---|
| $0 to $69,528 | Nil |
| $69,529 to $129,717 | 15c for each $1 over $69,528 |
| $129,718 to $186,050 | $9,028 plus 17c for each $1 over $129,717 |
| $186,051 and over | 10% of your total repayment income |
HELP repayment thresholds 2025-26
Use these for the tax return covering 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
| Repayment income | Repayment on this income |
|---|---|
| $0 to $67,000 | Nil |
| $67,001 to $125,000 | 15c for each $1 over $67,000 |
| $125,001 to $179,285 | $8,700 plus 17c for each $1 over $125,000 |
| $179,286 and over | 10% of your total repayment income |
Worked example
The ATO's own 2026-27 example: Barry has taxable income of $118,450 and reportable super contributions of $18,614, so his repayment income is $137,064. That falls in the $129,718 to $186,050 band, so he repays $9,028 plus 17c for each $1 over $129,717: $10,276.99. Enter the same figures above to check.
Want to see how HECS fits into your whole tax bill? The income tax calculator includes it in your take-home pay.
Source: ATO study and training support loans rates and repayment thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to start repaying my HECS-HELP debt?+
Compulsory repayments start once your repayment income is above the minimum threshold: $69,528 in 2026-27 ($67,000 in 2025-26). Below that, you repay nothing that year, although indexation still applies to the balance.
How are HECS repayments calculated in 2026-27?+
Since 2025-26 repayments are marginal: you repay 15c for each $1 of repayment income over $69,528, then $9,028 plus 17c for each $1 over $129,717. Above $186,050 the repayment is 10% of your total repayment income.
What counts as repayment income?+
Repayment income is your taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses (including net rental losses), reportable super contributions and exempt foreign employment income. Salary sacrificing into super does not lower it.
What changed from the old HECS system?+
Up to 2024-25 a single percentage was applied to your whole repayment income once you crossed a threshold, which could mean a big jump in repayments for a small pay rise. From 2025-26 you repay only on income above the threshold, and the minimum threshold rose to $67,000.
How is HECS collected?+
If you tell your employer you have a study loan, they withhold extra tax from each pay. The actual compulsory repayment is worked out when you lodge your tax return and any shortfall or excess withholding is settled then.
Does this cover VET Student Loans and other study loans?+
Yes. HELP, VET Student Loans, the Student Financial Supplement Scheme, Student Start-up Loans and Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans all use the same repayment thresholds. Repayments go to HELP first.
General information only, not tax advice. Estimates use Australian resident rates published by the ATO (rates last checked 27 September 2026) and assume no other income, offsets or exemptions unless entered. Nothing you enter leaves your browser. For advice on your own situation, speak to a registered tax agent.