HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator

Find out how much you'll repay this year and how long until your student debt is paid off.

YOUR DETAILS
Annual HECS Repayment
Monthly Repayment
Repayment Rate
Years to Repay
Debt-Free Year
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How HECS-HELP Repayments Work

HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their university fees. Unlike a regular loan, you don't make repayments until your income exceeds a threshold — and the repayment amount is based on your income, not the size of your debt.

Repayments are made through the tax system. When you lodge your tax return, the ATO calculates your required repayment and adjusts your refund (or bill) accordingly. Most employers also withhold extra tax if you declare a HECS-HELP debt on your TFN declaration.

2024–25 Repayment Thresholds

Your repayment income determines the percentage you pay:

  • Below $54,435: No repayment required
  • $54,435 – $62,850: 1.0% of income
  • $62,851 – $66,620: 2.0% of income
  • $66,621 – $70,618: 2.5% of income
  • $70,619 – $74,855: 3.0% of income
  • $74,856 – $79,346: 3.5% of income
  • $79,347 – $84,107: 4.0% of income
  • $84,108 – $89,154: 4.5% of income
  • $89,155 – $94,503: 5.0% of income
  • $94,504 – $100,174: 5.5% of income
  • Over $100,175: 6.0%–10.0% of income

HECS Indexation

On 1 June each year, your HECS-HELP balance is indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In recent years, indexation has ranged from 1.9% to 7.1%. This means your debt can grow faster than you repay it if your income is near the threshold. Making voluntary repayments before 1 June reduces the balance subject to indexation.

Repayment Income

Your repayment income includes your taxable income plus any reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses, and reportable employer super contributions. It may be higher than your basic salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do I start repaying HECS?
Compulsory repayments begin when your repayment income exceeds $54,435 (2024–25). Below this threshold, no repayment is required. Your employer withholds additional tax once you declare a HECS debt on your TFN declaration.
Is my HECS repayment based on my salary or my debt balance?
Your compulsory repayment is based on your repayment income, not your debt balance. This means if you earn $85,000, you'll repay 4.0% = $3,400 regardless of whether you owe $5,000 or $80,000. You'll simply pay off the debt faster if it's smaller.
Should I make voluntary HECS repayments?
It depends on your circumstances. Since the 5% discount was removed in 2012, the main benefit of voluntary repayments is reducing your balance before 1 June indexation. If CPI is high (as it has been recently), paying down the debt before indexation day can save meaningful money.
What is the minimum HECS repayment in 2024–25?
The minimum compulsory repayment is 1% of income once you cross the $54,435 threshold. For someone earning exactly $55,000, that's $550 per year.
Does my HECS debt affect my borrowing power?
Yes. Lenders assess your HECS repayment as a regular commitment that reduces your disposable income. This can reduce your borrowing power by roughly 3–5 times the annual repayment amount, depending on the lender's assessment criteria.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2024–25 HECS-HELP repayment thresholds published by the ATO. The years-to-repay estimate assumes constant income and does not account for indexation. This is not financial advice. Always check the ATO website for current rates and consult a tax professional for personalised advice.
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