From 1 July 2025 HECS/HELP moved to a marginal repayment system — you only repay on income above the threshold, the way income-tax brackets work. These are the 2026-27 figures:
| Repayment income | Compulsory repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $69,528 | Nil |
| $69,529 – $129,717 | 15c for each $1 over $69,528 |
| $129,718 – $186,050 | $9,028 + 17c for each $1 over $129,717 |
| $186,051 and over | 10% of your total repayment income |
→ Work out your own repayment — the calculator itemises your repayment income and applies these rates.
| Repayment income | Compulsory repayment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $67,000 | Nil |
| $67,001 – $125,000 | 15c for each $1 over $67,000 |
| $125,001 – $179,285 | $8,700 + 17c for each $1 over $125,000 |
| $179,286 and over | 10% of your total repayment income |
The thresholds are indexed each year in line with average weekly earnings, which is why 2026-27's nil band ($69,528) is higher than 2025-26's ($67,000).
Someone on a repayment income of $100,000: they're in the 15c band, so they pay 15c on each dollar above $69,528. That's 15% × ($100,000 − $69,528) = $4,570.80.
Under the old whole-of-income system the same person would have paid a flat percentage of the entire $100,000 — noticeably more. That's the practical effect of the marginal switch: smaller repayments, and often a refund this tax time because payroll withholding didn't catch up until late September 2025.
Repayment calculator — enter your income and see your exact figure