HECS-HELP: Study now, pay later

HECS-HELP

What is HECS-HELP?

The HECS-HELP scheme provides you with access to a loan to help you pay your student contribution amount, with the added incentive of a discount for upfront payment of your tuition fees.

Am I eligible?

You must:

Be studying in a subsidised enrolment at university – known as a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Be an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Enrol with an approved provider, by the census date.

When do I starting paying back my loan?

You’ll start repaying your HELP debt once your taxable income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. This threshold is adjusted every year.

The threshold for 2016-17 is $54,869.

Disclaimer: This information is correct at the time of publishing, but is subject to change under the current government’s higher education reforms. The figures provided are applicable for the 2016-17 financial year only. For more information, visit StudyAssist [www.studyassist.com.au].

2016-2017 repayment rates
2016-2017 Repayment rates	Repayment % rate
Below $54,869	NIL
$54,869 – $61,119	4.0%
$61,120 – $67,368	4.5%
$67,369 – $70,909	5.0%
$70,910 – $76,222	5.5%
$76,223 – $82,550	6.0%
$82,551 – $86,894	6.5%
$86,895 – $95,626	7.0%
$95,627 – $101,899	7.5%
$101,900 and above	8.0%