Estimate your compulsory HELP student loan repayment for the 2026–27 financial year. Calculate your repayment income, annual repayment and estimated remaining HELP debt.
Reviewed by Frontiers FinanceLast updated:
Quick answer
How much HECS-HELP repayment will I pay in 2026–27?
For the 2026–27 financial year, compulsory HELP repayments begin when your repayment income exceeds A$69,528. Australia uses a marginal repayment system, so the amount you repay increases progressively as your repayment income rises above the applicable thresholds.
Repayment threshold
A$ 69,529
Repayment system
Marginal rates
Maximum repayment rate
10%
$
Estimate your HELP repayment
Enter your income and outstanding HELP debt to estimate your compulsory repayment for 2026–27.
How HELP repayments work
HELP loans generally do not require compulsory repayments until your repayment income exceeds the applicable annual threshold. The final compulsory repayment is normally determined through the Australian tax system.
Compulsory repayments
Once your repayment income exceeds the minimum threshold, a compulsory HELP repayment may apply for the financial year.
Repayment income
HELP repayments are based on repayment income rather than taxable income alone. Additional amounts can be included depending on your circumstances.
Marginal repayment system
Under the current system, repayments increase as repayment income rises above the relevant thresholds rather than applying a single repayment percentage to all of your income.
Voluntary repayments
You can generally make voluntary payments toward your HELP debt separately from any compulsory repayment that applies through the tax system.
HELP repayment rules for 2026–27
The compulsory repayment calculation uses a marginal system based on your annual repayment income.
Repayment income
Repayment calculation
A$ 0 – A$ 69,528
No compulsory repayment
A$ 69,529 – A$ 129,717
A$0.15 for each A$1 above A$69,528
A$ 129,718 – A$ 189,997
First amount plus A$0.17 for each A$1 above A$129,717
A$ 189,998+
Up to 10 % of repayment income
These thresholds and formulas apply to the 2026–27 financial year. The repayment calculated from your income may also be limited by your remaining HELP debt.
What is HELP repayment income?
Repayment income is the income measure used to determine whether you need to make a compulsory HELP repayment and how much that repayment may be.
Taxable income
Your taxable income is the main starting point for calculating HELP repayment income.
Reportable fringe benefits
Certain reportable fringe benefits can be added when determining your repayment income.
Net investment losses
Applicable total net investment losses, including certain rental property losses, can increase the repayment income used for HELP purposes.
Reportable super contributions
Certain reportable employer and personal super contributions may be included when calculating repayment income.
Exempt foreign employment income
Certain exempt foreign employment income may also be included in your HELP repayment income.
What the calculator shows
The calculator combines your repayment income information with your outstanding HELP balance to provide an estimated compulsory repayment.
Repayment income
The total income measure used to determine whether the compulsory repayment threshold has been exceeded.
Compulsory repayment
The estimated amount payable based on the applicable HELP repayment formula and your repayment income.
Payment equivalents
The annual estimate is also shown as monthly, fortnightly and weekly equivalents for easier comparison.
Remaining HELP debt
If you enter your current HELP balance, the calculator estimates how much debt would remain after the compulsory repayment.
Example
HELP repayment example on A$90,000 of income
For example, a person with A$90,000 of HELP repayment income is above the minimum compulsory repayment threshold. Under the marginal repayment system, the repayment is calculated on income above the applicable threshold rather than by simply applying one percentage to the person's entire income.
Repayment income
A$ 90,000
Minimum threshold
A$ 69,529
Calculation method
Marginal repayment
This example is illustrative. Your actual compulsory repayment depends on your final HELP repayment income, outstanding HELP debt and the rules applying to the relevant financial year.
Is HECS the same as HELP?
HECS-HELP is one type of loan available under Australia's Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). The term "HECS debt" is still commonly used when referring to student debt, which is why people often search for a HECS repayment calculator. Compulsory repayments are generally determined under the broader HELP repayment rules.
Frequently asked questions
HECS-HELP repayment calculator FAQs
Common questions about HELP repayment thresholds, compulsory repayments, withholding, voluntary payments and HELP debt.
What is the HELP repayment threshold for 2026–27?
For the 2026–27 financial year, compulsory HELP repayments begin when repayment income exceeds A$69,528. The repayment amount then increases under the applicable marginal repayment formula.
How is my HECS-HELP repayment calculated?
Your compulsory repayment is based on HELP repayment income rather than taxable income alone. Depending on your circumstances, repayment income can include taxable income and additional amounts such as reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses, reportable super contributions and certain exempt foreign employment income.
Is HELP withholding from my pay the same as my final repayment?
Not necessarily. Amounts withheld through PAYG during the year are withholding amounts. Your final compulsory HELP repayment is determined using your final repayment income when your tax position is assessed.
Can I make voluntary repayments on my HELP debt?
Yes. Voluntary repayments can generally be made separately from compulsory repayments. A voluntary payment does not necessarily remove a compulsory repayment that arises from your repayment income for the financial year.
Can salary sacrificing reduce my HELP repayment?
Salary sacrificing does not necessarily reduce HELP repayment income by the same amount it reduces taxable income. Certain reportable super contributions and other adjustments can be included when HELP repayment income is calculated.
Does this calculator include HELP debt indexation?
The calculator focuses on estimating the compulsory repayment generated by your repayment income and the resulting debt balance. HELP debt indexation is a separate adjustment and should not be confused with the compulsory repayment calculation.
Important information
This calculator estimates compulsory HELP repayments using the information you provide and the repayment rules implemented for the selected financial year.
The result is not an ATO assessment. Your actual repayment can depend on your final tax return, repayment income, outstanding debt and other circumstances. HELP thresholds and repayment rules may also change between financial years.
Official sources
HELP repayment sources
The calculator and explanatory information are based on Australian Government guidance. Check the Australian Taxation Office for the latest thresholds, formulas and HELP repayment rules.
