Council Tax for Students — Exemptions Explained

Council Tax and Students: The Complete Guide

Good news for students: full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. But the rules are more nuanced than many people realise, especially when it comes to shared houses, part-time students, and what happens during holidays.

Who Qualifies as a "Full-Time Student"?

To be exempt from council tax, you must be enrolled on a qualifying course:

• The course must last at least one academic year
• It must require at least 21 hours of study per week
• For courses under degree level, it must last at least 24 weeks per year

This covers most university degrees, HNDs, and many college courses. Part-time students do NOT qualify for the exemption, though they may be eligible for other discounts.

Different Household Scenarios

All Occupants Are Students

If everyone living in your property is a full-time student, the property is fully exempt — you pay nothing.

Students Living with Non-Students

If you're a student sharing with people who aren't students, the non-student residents are liable for council tax. However, students are "disregarded" for counting purposes, which can result in a discount:

• If there's only one non-student in the household, they get a 25% single person discount
• If there are two or more non-students, the full amount is payable

Students Living with a Partner

If one of you is a student and the other isn't, the non-student partner is responsible for council tax. The student is disregarded, so the 25% single person discount should apply.

How to Apply for Student Exemption

Step 1: Get Your Student Certificate

Contact your university or college student services department. They'll provide a council tax exemption certificate (sometimes called a "student status letter"). Most universities can generate these online through your student portal.

Step 2: Contact Your Council

Apply for the exemption through your local council. Most allow online applications. You'll need:

• Your student exemption certificate
• Your council tax account number (if you have one)
• Your property address
• Dates of your course

Step 3: Provide Evidence for All Household Members

If claiming a full household exemption, each student in the property needs to provide their own certificate.

Common Student Council Tax Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Applying at All

The exemption isn't automatic — you need to apply. If you don't, you'll receive bills and eventually face collection action.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Reapply Each Year

Most councils require you to provide fresh evidence each academic year. Set a reminder to renew your exemption each September.

Mistake 3: Assuming Part-Time Counts

Part-time students are not exempt. If your course is under 21 hours per week, you'll need to pay council tax (though you may qualify for the council tax reduction scheme).

Mistake 4: Summer Holiday Confusion

You remain exempt during summer holidays between academic years, as long as you're enrolled for the next year. You also remain exempt for your final summer term after graduating, until the end of that academic year (typically August 31).

What About Graduates?

Once your course ends, your exemption ends. If you graduate in June, your exemption typically continues until the end of that academic year (August 31). After that, you're liable for council tax like any other adult.

Student Halls of Residence

Purpose-built student halls are generally exempt from council tax entirely. If you're in university-managed accommodation, you shouldn't need to do anything — the university handles this.

What If You're Charged Incorrectly?

If your council is billing you despite being a full-time student, contact them immediately with your student certificate. You should receive a full refund for any payments made while you were exempt.