Same debt, newer name
HECS (the Higher Education Contribution Scheme) is the old name most people still use. Today the umbrella scheme is HELP — the Higher Education Loan Program. "HECS-HELP" is simply the part that covers your student contribution at a public university.
The main loan types
| Loan | What it covers |
|---|---|
| HECS-HELP | Your student contribution in a Commonwealth-supported place |
| FEE-HELP | Tuition for full-fee-paying students |
| VET Student Loans | Approved vocational (VET) courses |
| OS-HELP | Study overseas costs |
| SA-HELP | Student services and amenities fees |
They add up into one combined HELP balance, indexed and repaid together — so the calculator works the same whatever mix you have.
Why it's a good loan to have
- No interest — only annual indexation, now capped at the lower of CPI and wage growth.
- Income-contingent — you only repay when you earn above $67,000, and stop if your income drops.
- No fixed term — there's no deadline and no penalty for a long payoff.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is HECS the same as HELP?
Effectively yes. HECS is the old name; the scheme is now HELP, and HECS-HELP is the part that covers your student contribution at a public university.
Do different HELP loans get repaid separately?
No. HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans and the rest combine into one HELP balance that is indexed and repaid together.
Does HELP charge interest?
No. It is indexed once a year to inflation (capped at the lower of CPI and wage growth), not charged interest.