Do Students Have to Pay Council Tax?

Do students have to pay council tax? Luckily, full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. However, there are some cases where things get a little more complicated. We’ve broken down the rules of student council tax and how they apply to you and your student property. 

What is council tax?

Council tax is an annual fee that the council charges households for. This tax rolls together local services such as rubbish collection, street lights and police services. The amount you pay is calculated per property, rather than the number of people living there. It’s influenced by:

• The value of the property you live in.
• The bands your local council set (some councils need more money than others).
• Your personal circumstances – such as whether you’re a student or are living with students.

Council tax is charged to properties that have at least two adults living in them who are all jointly liable to pay. There are conditions that mean some people are not classed as adults (most notably students) and so are ‘disregarded’.

Do Students Have to Pay Council Tax?

Do students have to pay council tax? We’ve got some great news. If you’re a full-time university student, you don’t need to pay council tax – you’re exempt. If you’re a student that lives with non-students, you don’t need to pay council tax but the others you live with do. If there is only one other non-student, they get a 25% discount. You can apply for this student council tax reduction.

 To be classed as a full-time student, you must:

• Be on a course that is at least 1 year in length and involves a minimum of 21 hours study a week (typically an undergraduate, post-graduate degree or specific training).
• Be 18 or 19 years olds and in full-time education.

You’re also exempt from paying council tax if you’re:

• Under 25 and taking a specific type of course such as government training.
• A student nurse who isn’t fully qualified yet.
• An apprentice earning no more than £195 a week.
• A full-time student ‘overseas partner’ who isn’t legally permitted to work in the UK.

Student Council Tax FAQs

Do students in university halls need to pay council tax?

Nope. Student halls are automatically exempt from paying council tax. 

The only exception is when student halls have been approved for non-student occupancy, but if you’re a student you don’t need to worry about that. If you’re a non-student living in student halls, then you will be liable to pay council tax.

Do postgraduate students need to pay council tax?

Postgraduate students are also exempt from paying council tax – it can just be a little harder to prove to some councils that you meet the requirements.

You shouldn’t have any problem during your course, but sometimes the thesis writing period can be a hurdle. This is because your course has officially ended, so you may not get an exemption during this period. We recommend asking your university or students union for specific advice to see if they can give you supporting evidence.

Do mature students pay council tax?

No, mature students don’t pay council tax. As long as you’re a mature student who is full-time at university, then you’ll be exempt from paying council tax, just like a normal student would be.

Do international students have to pay council tax?

No. If you’re studying full-time or on a placement in the UK, you’re also exempt from paying council tax. You also don’t have to pay if you’re a partner of an overseas student who is unable to work in the UK.

Do part-time students pay council tax?

Yes, you’ll likely be required to pay council tax for your student property as you’re not a full time student. However, you can apply for a reduction.

Do students have to pay council tax when on a placement?

Nope, you’re still classed as a student, even if you’re on your placement year.

Does a student living with non-students have to pay council tax?

No. As a student, you’re exempt from paying council tax, even if you live with someone who isn’t a student. As council tax is charged per property, the non-student will be liable to pay council tax but you’re exempt. The non-student can apply for a 25% reduction if they’re the only other tenant of your property.

Does a non-student living with students need to pay council tax?

Yes. Students are exempt from paying council tax so you’ll be liable for the property’s council tax. If you live with multiple non-students then you will be jointly responsible to pay. If you’re the only non-student in the property, then you will be solely liable. However, you can apply for a 25% reduction.

Do students pay council tax during summer?

Nope. You’re a student for the duration of your course, even during the summer or Christmas break. You don’t need to pay council tax until you complete or leave university. This means as an undergraduate, you won’t have to pay council tax during your 3 or 4 year course.

If you’re going on to study a masters then technically you will have to pay council tax over the summer months until you transition to your new course.

Does deferring for a year mean you’ll need to pay council tax?

If you defer a year after already starting university, its unlikely your university will unregister and re-register you so you shouldn’t have to pay during your year off either.

Me and my housemates are all students, but we’ve received a council tax bill. What’s going on?

If you all qualify as students then you shouldn’t be paying for council tax and just need to apply for an exemption.

How do part-time students apply for a council tax reduction?

You can apply for a discount here. You could also apply for a Second Adult Rebate (SAR), which is an alternative to the Council Tax Reduction.

How do full-time students get a council tax exemption after receiving a bill?

It’s entirely dependent on the process of your local council and efficiency of your university. Some councils are happy to process your exemption over the phone with topline student details (name, university course and student number). Others require written proof of student status, which you can pick up or request from your university admissions office.

First, check your university website as some have an online system that processes council tax exemptions for you.

Do students have to pay council tax between completing their course and graduating?

Yes. You become liable to pay Council Tax from the date of the end of your course, not your graduation date. This also applies if you’re going onto a postgraduate course – you would be eligible to pay council tax in the summer period between the two courses. Of course, this only applies if you’re living in your own place, and not back home with your parents.

What other bills do students need to pay?

Do students have to pay council tax? It turns out that the answer to that question is no in the vast majority of cases. If you’re in student halls then we have even more good news – all other bills are usually included too.

If you’re in a student house and are sharing with other students, you’ll need to set up your student bills. Through careful habits, the amount you spend on energy can be greatly reduced. The standard student utilities include:

1. Energy (gas and electric) – Try and go renewable here, it’s not that much more expensive.
2. Wifi – Always go superfast.
3. Water – This is provided by your local supplier and can be metered or fixed.
4. TV Licence – You’ll need this if you want to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer. Find out if you’ll need a TV licence.

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