How do I calculate GST?

GST can be calculated simply by multiplying the Taxable amount by GST rate. If CGST & SGST/UTGST is to be applied then CGST and SGST both amounts are half of the total GST amount.

GST = Taxable Amount  x  GST Rate

If you have the amount which is already including the GST then you can calculate the GST excluding amount by below formula

GST excluding amount = GST including amount/(1+ GST rate/100)

For example, GST including amount is Rs. 525 and GST rate is 5%.

GST excluding amount = 525/(1+5/100) = 525/1.05 = 500

GST is calculated on the transaction amount and not on the MRP.

Calculation of GST Amount payable to Government

A registered person needs to pay the difference of GST on sales and GST on purchases made in a month. The purchase may be of goods, services or capital goods.

Capital goods are those goods which you had NOT purchased for the purpose of reselling. For example – Furniture in your shop, machine for production etc.

For example, A person made intra-state sales of Rs. 1 lakh in January and collected CGST of Rs. 2,500 and SGST of Rs. 2,500 at the rate of 5%. In the same month, he had made purchases of Rs. 80,000 and paid CGST and SGST of Rs. 2,000 each at a rate of 5%. He had also paid a bill of internet of Rs. 1,000 plus GST of Rs. 180.

Rs. 4,180 is allowed as a deduction from the Gross tax payable of Rs. 5,000. And therefore a net of Rs. 820 is payable to the government.

Deduction of GST paid on the purchase of goods, services or capital goods is called input tax credit. There are certain limitations and restrictions on taking the input tax credit.

GST Rates

GST rates are as under

  • 0% (necessity items like milk, wheat flour)
  • 0.25% (rough diamonds)
  • 3%  (gold, silver etc.)
  • 5%
  • 12%
  • 18%
  • 28%

Most of the goods fall in the category of 5%, 12% and 18%, while most of the services fall in the category of 18%. GST of 28% is applicable on some items like cement, car, tobacco. There is also a Cess which is applicable only on a handful of goods like car, tobacco, pan masala.

There are also goods/services on which GST is applicable at NIL rate or which are exempted.

You can easily calculate GST amount using our GST Calculator.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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