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HomeStudy costs and HELP

Australian Taxation Office

HELP repayments, 2026-27

How much of your income goes to a HELP debt once you earn above the threshold.

Government

$69,528

Nothing to repay until your repayment income passes $69,528.

The numbers

Up to $69,528Nil
$69,529 to $129,71715 cents for each $1 over $69,528
$129,718 to $186,050$9,028 plus 17 cents for each $1 over $129,717
$186,051 and over10% of total repayment income

Conditions and catches

  • The top band takes 10% of your whole repayment income, not only the part above $186,050.
  • The ATO page was last updated on 13 October 2026.

More from Australian Taxation Office

20% HELP debt reduction

Australian Taxation Office

Student loan debts that existed on 1 June 2025 were cut by 20%, and repayments now come only from income above the threshold.

GovernmentApply or sign up

Checked 13 Oct · ato.gov.au

Self-education tax deductions

Australian Taxation Office

Claim study costs at tax time, but only if the study is tied to the job you already have.

Government

Checked 13 Oct · ato.gov.au

Tax-free threshold, 2026-27

Australian Taxation Office

$18,200 a year

The income you can earn before paying income tax, and the first rate above it.

Government

Checked 12 Oct · ato.gov.au

Also in Study costs and HELP

FEE-HELP

Study Assist

$129,883

A government loan for tuition if you're in a full-fee place rather than a Commonwealth supported place.

GovernmentApply or sign up

Checked 13 Oct · studyassist.gov.au

HECS-HELP and Commonwealth supported places

Study Assist

$129,883

A government-subsidised uni place, plus a loan that covers your share of the fees so you pay nothing upfront.

GovernmentApply or sign up

Checked 13 Oct · studyassist.gov.au

OS-HELP

Study Assist

Up to $8,442

A loan for flights, rent and other costs when you study overseas as part of your Australian degree.

GovernmentApply or sign up

Checked 13 Oct · studyassist.gov.au