when can i actually pay off my HECS?
tell us your balance. we'll do the math. inflation will do the rest.
the verdict
↘ killing itthis is the average graduate. tap any field to make it yours. brace yourself.
April 2039
the balance
balanceinflation hitwhat if
tap any fantasy. they stack.your situation
balance
the damage · your HECS balance
matches the national average ($27,000)
income
your salary
the ATO siphons ≈ $100/mo before you see it
extra you'd throw at it
voluntary repayments. heroic. also tax-pointless, but emotionally satisfying.
career arc · the lies you tell yourself
assumptions
yearly inflation hit
1 June. every year. your debt grows by this much. recent CPI has been about 4%.
salary growth
promotions you'll have to fight for. be honest.
how this is calculated
every month we drain compulsory repayments from your pay at the FY2025-26 marginal rates (15% above $67k, 17% above $125k), apply any voluntary repayment you’d brag about on LinkedIn, and on 1 June we let inflation grow whatever’s left of your balance.
the payoff is the first month the balance hits zero. if your debt grows faster than you can pay it, you’ll see “never”. that’s not a bug — that’s how this kind of debt works.
source: ATO study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates · not financial advice. just maths and feelings.