Hecs Help: Study Now, Pay Later

HECS-HELP is a government-backed student loan that supports eligible students in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) by covering their tuition fees. For many Australians, it’s the pathway to study now and pay later—so you can invest in your future without upfront financial stress.

What is HECS-HELP?

HECS-HELP is part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), designed to assist students enrolled in subsidised university places. It enables you to defer your student contribution, which the government pays to your institution on your behalf. You then repay the loan through the tax system once you start earning above a minimum income threshold.

It’s a flexible and inclusive way to access higher education and support long-term career goals—especially for those balancing study, work, and life commitments.

Am I Eligible for HECS-HELP?

You may be eligible for HECS-HELP if you:

• Are enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
• Are an Australian citizen, or a permanent humanitarian visa holder residing in Australia
• Submit a completed eCAF (electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) by the census date
• Meet the residency requirements and remain enrolled in an eligible unit

More details can be found on the StudyAssist website.

When Do I Start Repaying My HECS-HELP Loan?

Repayments begin once your repayment income reaches the minimum threshold set for the financial year. For 2025–26, that threshold is $56,156.

Your loan repayments are made automatically through the ATO, based on a sliding scale relative to your income. Here’s how the repayment rates work this year:

2025-26 HELP Repayment Rates

Repayment income (RI) thresholds	Repayment rate (% of repayment income)
Below $56,156	Nil
$56,156–$64,837	1.0%
$64,838–$68,726	2.0%
$68,727–$72,851	2.5%
$72,852–$77,222	3.0%
$77,223–$81,855	3.5%
$81,856–$86,766	4.0%
$86,767–$91,973	4.5%
$91,974–$97,491	5.0%
$97,492–$103,341	5.5%
$103,342–$109,542	6.0%
$109,543–$116,115	6.5%
$116,116–$123,081	7.0%
$123,082–$130,466	7.5%
$130,467–$138,294	8.0%
$138,295–$146,593	8.5%
$146,594–$155,388	9.0%
$155,389–$164,711	9.5%
$164,712 and above	10%

Does HECS-HELP Accrue Interest?

HECS-HELP debts don’t charge interest, but they are indexed annually on 1 June to maintain value against inflation. For 2025, the **indexation rate is 3.2%**.

This indexation applies only to the unpaid balance—not to any new loans or upfront payments.

How to Apply for HECS-HELP

After receiving an offer for a CSP course, you’ll be asked to complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF). This must be submitted before the **census date** for your study period.

The eCAF allows you to choose whether you wish to defer your student contribution using HECS-HELP or pay upfront.

Understanding the Census Date

The census date is the official deadline to finalise your subject enrolment and HECS-HELP arrangements. If you withdraw after the census date, you may still incur the debt—even if you don’t complete the unit.

Each university or provider sets their own census dates for each study period. Check these carefully and add them to your calendar.

Can I Make Voluntary HECS-HELP Payments?

Yes, voluntary repayments can be made at any time through the ATO using BPAY or online banking. These repayments are in addition to your compulsory tax repayments and can reduce your overall loan balance faster.

How to Check Your HECS-HELP Balance

You can view your loan balance and payment history by linking your ATO account in MyGov. This portal also shows any indexation applied to your loan.

Can My HECS-HELP Debt Be Cancelled?

Yes—in some limited situations, such as serious illness or special circumstances that prevent course completion, you may be eligible for partial debt cancellation. These applications must go through your education provider, or in hardship cases, the ATO.

Read more about cancellation and hardship options on the StudyAssist site.

Find Courses That Qualify for HECS-HELP

Looking for a course supported by HECS-HELP? Explore a curated list of eligible university and online study options.

Disclaimer

This content is accurate as of the 2025–26 financial year and may be subject to change. For the latest updates, visit the official StudyAssist website.