Council tax is a fee charged by your local council to help fund services such as schools, waste collection, roads, and street lighting. The amount you pay depends on your property’s value, location, and who lives there.
Most full time students do not have to pay council tax, but the rules vary depending on your course, accommodation, and household. This guide explains your responsibilities and how to make sure you are correctly assessed.
Who Is exempt from Council Tax?
You are exempt from paying council tax if you are enrolled on a full time course that:
- lasts at least one academic year,
- requires a minimum of 24 weeks of study per year, and
- involves at least 21 hours of study per week.
Your exemption applies from your course start date until your course end date or the date you formally withdraw.
To claim exemption, you must provide your Council Tax Exemption Certificate (available after full enrolment) to the council in the borough where you live.
New full-time students
If you move into private accommodation before your course begins, you may be charged council tax for the period before your official start date. Consider this when choosing your move in date.
If you are under 20 and have just completed A levels (or equivalent), you are normally exempt from 1 May to 31 October, by which time you will have started your full time course.
International students
Your visa type does not determine whether you pay council tax — your course status does.
- If you rent privately before your course starts or after it ends, you are liable for council tax, even if your visa continues.
- If you return to the UK on a Visitor visa to complete a full time degree, you become liable once your course ends.
You must pay council tax if you are on:
- a pre sessional course, or
- a full time course lasting less than one academic year.
Living in private accommodation
If everyone in the property is a full time student you will not have to pay council tax. Each resident must provide proof of student status to the local council.
If you live with non students
You + one non student
- You remain exempt.
- The non student is liable for the bill.
- They should receive a 25% single person discount once you submit your exemption certificate.
You + two or more non students
- A full council tax bill will be issued.
- You are not liable for any of it.
- Submit your exemption certificate so you are removed from the bill.
Contractual liability
Some tenancy agreements include council tax in the rent or require all tenants to contribute. If your contract states this, you may still have to pay contractually, even if you are exempt legally. Always check your tenancy agreement carefully.
Halls of residence
Students living in university managed halls or purpose built student accommodation are automatically exempt and do not need to take any action.
If you take time out from your course
If you interrupt your studies but remain formally registered with the intention to return, you are normally still treated as a full time student for council tax purposes.
If your interruption becomes a withdrawal, your exemption ends on the withdrawal date.
If you’re between courses
You may be liable for council tax if:
- you have finished one course,
- you are waiting to start another, and
- the gap between courses is not covered by either course’s official dates.
This often affects students finishing an undergraduate degree and starting a postgraduate course later in the year.
Postgraduate students
Postgraduate students sometimes face difficulties proving exemption, especially if:
- you are researching off campus,
- you have flexible study patterns, or
- you are in the writing up stage.
You do not need to be physically attending campus to be considered a full time student — you only need to be undertaking your course for the required period.
If the council disputes your status, you may be able to challenge their decision. Seek advice if this happens.
Part time students
Part time students are not exempt and are normally liable to pay council tax.
If you are the sole tenant
If you rent a property in your name only (or own it) and live with adults who are not full time students, you will be liable for the full council tax bill. Your student status does not exempt you in this situation.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about your council tax status or have received a bill you don’t understand, contact Student Advice for guidance. You can also find general information on Gov.uk.