Calculator
HELP/STSL Repayment Calculator
Estimate your compulsory study and training loan repayment under the marginal repayment system, using 2026-27 thresholds.
Short answer
Compulsory HELP and STSL repayments are marginal for 2026-27: nil up to $69,528, then 15c in each dollar to $129,717, then $9,028 plus 17c to $186,050, and 10% of total repayment income above that. Repayment income is taxable income plus several add-backs, including reportable super.
Under the marginal repayment system, compulsory HELP/STSL repayments for 2026-27 are charged only on income above $69,528 (the top band is 10% of total repayment income).
Estimated annual repayment
$2,321
$89 per fortnight
Effective repayment rate
2.7%
Share of repayment income
The new marginal system
Before 2025-26, repayments applied a flat rate to your whole income. Under the marginal system you only pay on income above $69,528 for 2026-27 (except the top band, which is 10% of total repayment income). The threshold is indexed each year - it was $67,000 in 2025-26.
Which loans this covers
HELP, VET Student Loans (VSL), the Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS), Student Start-up Loans (SSL), ABSTUDY SSL and Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans (AASL) all share the same thresholds. See HELP/STSL repayments explained.
Frequently asked questions
What income is used?+
Repayment income: taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions, net investment losses and exempt foreign employment income.
Do I repay if I earn under $69,528?+
No. For 2026-27 there is no compulsory repayment below $69,528, even if your employer withheld STSL amounts during the year - over-withheld amounts wash out at tax time.
Is the loan interest-free?+
There is no interest, but balances are indexed each year. This calculator estimates the compulsory repayment only.
Sources & methodology
- ATO - Personal income tax: new tax cuts (15% rate from 1 July 2026)
- Income Tax Rates Act 1986 (legislation.gov.au)
- ATO - Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates
- ATO - Super guarantee
- ATO - Contribution caps
- ATO - Payday Super and the annual maximum contribution base
- ATO - Medicare levy
- ATO - Medicare levy surcharge income thresholds and rates
- Fair Work Ombudsman - Pay slips
- How we calculate these estimates
Last updated 13 August 2026. Figures use the 2026-27 financial year.
Related calculators & guides
Check another part of your pay
Estimate your full payslip, compare a job offer, or see whether moving to Australia leaves you better off.