HECS-HELP: what does it mean?

What is HECS-HELP? Everything You Need to Know in 2025

HECS-HELP is a government-supported loan scheme designed to help eligible students in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) pay their student contribution amounts for university study. If you’re an Australian citizen or eligible visa holder, HECS-HELP enables you to study now and defer payment until you’re earning enough to repay the loan through the tax system. This scheme is part of the broader HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) and applies only to CSPs—these are subsidised enrolments at approved public universities and higher education providers across Australia. Explore government-supported courses available through CourseFinder.

Who is Eligible for HECS-HELP?

To apply for HECS-HELP in 2025, you must:

• Be enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
• Be an Australian citizen and studying at least part of your course in Australia; OR
• Be a permanent humanitarian visa holder residing in Australia for the duration of your study.
• Submit a valid Request for HECS-HELP Loan form by the census date for each enrolled unit.
• Have a Tax File Number (TFN) and a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

If you're unsure whether your enrolment qualifies, check with your university or visit the StudyAssist HECS-HELP guide.

How Does HECS-HELP Work?

Instead of paying your student contribution upfront, HECS-HELP allows you to defer the cost. The Australian Government pays the amount directly to your institution on your behalf, and the balance becomes part of your HELP debt, which you’ll repay through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold. Note: Unlike other loans, HECS-HELP does not charge interest, but it is indexed annually to inflation (using the Consumer Price Index, CPI). The indexation rate for 2025–26 is 3.2%.

When Do I Start Repaying My HECS-HELP Debt?

Repayments begin once your repayment income (your taxable income plus other HELP-relevant components) meets the annual repayment threshold. For the 2025–26 financial year, that threshold is $56,156. Repayment is collected automatically via the Australian tax system. Your repayment amount increases gradually with your income, starting at 1% and rising to a maximum of 10%.

2025–26 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%

What About Discounts for Upfront Payments?

As of 2025, there is no longer a discount for students who pay their student contributions upfront. This policy was removed as part of earlier higher education reforms. You can still choose to pay upfront if you prefer not to accrue a HELP debt.

How to Apply for HECS-HELP

Your education provider will give you access to the online HECS-HELP application as part of your enrolment process. Make sure you complete the application by the relevant census date and provide your TFN and USI. Missing the census date means you may not be able to defer your fees through HECS-HELP and could be liable to pay out of pocket.

Next Steps

HECS-HELP remains one of Australia’s most accessible ways to start or continue your higher education journey—especially if you’re not in a position to pay tuition costs upfront. By removing the financial barrier to study, it supports you in building a future on your terms. Whether you’re entering university straight from school, returning as a mature-age student, or exploring a career pivot, CourseFinder is here to guide your choices. Explore FEE-HELP-eligible courses and take your next confident step toward a rewarding career. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official HECS-HELP page on StudyAssist.gov.au.