HELP/HECS Student Loan Repayments 2024-25

Understand your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) repayments and how they're calculated based on your income.

What is HELP?

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) helps eligible students pay for their higher education. It includes:

Source: ATO HELP Loan Information

  • HECS-HELP: Commonwealth supported places at universities
  • FEE-HELP: Full-fee paying domestic students
  • VET Student Loans: Vocational education and training
  • SA-HELP: Student services and amenities fee
  • OS-HELP: Overseas study support

2024-25 Repayment Rates

Your repayment rate depends on your repayment income (which includes your taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, and other amounts):

Source: ATO HELP Repayment Rates 2024-25

Repayment Income Repayment Rate Example on $60,000 Example on $80,000
Below $51,550 Nil No repayment -
$51,550 - $59,518 1% $600 -
$59,519 - $63,089 2% $1,200 -
$63,090 - $66,875 2.5% - -
$66,876 - $70,888 3% - -
$70,889 - $75,140 3.5% - -
$75,141 - $79,649 4% - $3,200
$79,650 - $84,429 4.5% - $3,600
$84,430 - $89,494 5% - -
$89,495 - $94,865 5.5% - -
$94,866 - $100,557 6% - -
$100,558 - $106,590 6.5% - -
$106,591 - $112,985 7% - -
$112,986 - $119,764 7.5% - -
$119,765 - $126,950 8% - -
$126,951 - $134,573 8.5% - -
$134,574 and above 9% - -
Important Note

Your repayment is calculated on your entire repayment income, not just the amount above each threshold. If you earn $60,000, you pay 1% of the full $60,000 ($600), not 1% of the amount above $51,550.

How Repayments Work

Automatic Deductions

If you're employed, your employer automatically deducts HELP repayments from your pay based on your income.

  • Appears on your payslip
  • Sent to the ATO quarterly
  • Based on your expected annual income

Tax Return Reconciliation

Your final HELP repayment is calculated when you lodge your tax return based on your actual income.

  • May result in refund or additional payment
  • Includes all income sources
  • Applied directly to your HELP debt

Repayment Income Includes

Included in Repayment Income

  • Taxable income (salary, wages, business income)
  • Reportable fringe benefits
  • Total net investment loss
  • Reportable superannuation contributions
  • Tax-free government pensions or benefits

Not Included

  • Employer superannuation contributions
  • Government family assistance payments
  • Some social security benefits
  • Exempt foreign employment income
  • Tax-exempt income from certain sources

Managing Your HELP Debt

Check Your Balance

View your current HELP debt balance through:

  • myGov account
  • ATO online services
  • Your Notice of Assessment

Voluntary Repayments

You can make additional payments to:

  • Reduce your debt faster
  • Save on indexation
  • Get a tax refund if you overpay

Indexation

Your debt is indexed annually on 1 June:

  • Based on CPI changes
  • Applied if debt remains on 1 June
  • No indexation if debt paid before 1 June

Special Circumstances

If you live overseas and have a HELP debt, you must still make repayments if your worldwide income exceeds the minimum threshold. You need to lodge an Australian tax return and make repayments based on your global income.

You may be able to defer your HELP repayments in certain circumstances, such as financial hardship. Contact the ATO to discuss your options and the application process for deferring repayments.

HELP debts are generally written off when a person dies. The debt does not pass to the deceased person's estate or family members, providing relief during difficult times.
Remember

HELP repayments are mandatory once your income exceeds the minimum threshold. Failing to make required repayments can result in penalties and interest charges from the ATO.

Calculate Your HELP Repayments

Use our calculator to estimate your HELP repayments based on your current income.

Calculate Now