Most students in Australia can defer paying tuition fees by using student loan schemes. The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) covers a range of student loans that are paid back through the tax system over time once you start earning enough money.
The more you earn, the higher your repayments, and these compulsory repayments go up on a scale. The repayment rates for the 2015-16 income year are:
| 2015-16 Repayment income | Rate |
| Below $54,125 | Nil |
| $54,125-$60,292 | 4% |
| $60,293-$66,456 | 4.5% |
| $66,457-$69,949 | 5% |
| $69,950-$75,190 | 5.5% |
| $75,191-$81,432 | 6% |
| $81,433-$85,718 | 6.5% |
| $85,719-$94,331 | 7% |
| $94,332-$100,519 | 7.5% |
| $100,520 and above | 8% |
The bar is set to lower next year
Note however that a new minimum repayment threshold for HELP will be introduced from the 2016‑17 income year (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017). Individuals will commence repaying their HELP debt once their income reaches an estimated $50,638. A 2% repayment rate will apply for those with HELP repayment incomes above this new threshold, up to the existing threshold. The other HELP repayment rates will not change.
Also remember that the Government will extend the HELP repayment framework to debtors residing overseas. As announced in the May budget, from 2016-17, HELP debtors residing overseas for six months or more will be required to make repayments of their HELP debt if their worldwide income exceeds the minimum repayment threshold at the same repayment rates as debtors in Australia.