Student Council Tax Exemption
Students can be exempt from council tax or eligible for significant reductions. Full-time students are usually completely exempt from council tax, while part-time students may be eligible for council tax reduction based on their income and circumstances.
Are Students Exempt from Council Tax?
Yes, full-time students are usually completely exempt from council tax. This is one of the most generous council tax exemptions available. However, the rules differ between full-time and part-time students, and the exemption can also affect other household members.
Key Points:
- Full-time students: Usually 100% exempt from council tax
- Part-time students: May qualify for council tax reduction based on income
- Apprentices: Can qualify if they meet full-time student criteria
- Household impact: Student exemption can reduce council tax for other household members
- Exemption application: Full-time students are entitled to exemption once they apply and provide documentation
What is a Full-Time Student for Council Tax Purposes?
To qualify as a full-time student for council tax exemption, you must meet specific criteria. Most distance learning students do not qualify unless required to attend in person regularly:
Full-Time Student Criteria:
- Course duration: At least one academic year
- Study hours: At least 21 hours of study per week
- Institution type: Recognized educational institution
- Course type: University, college, or apprenticeship course
- Age: Usually 18 or over (some exceptions for younger students)
Recognized Educational Institutions
Your course must be at a recognized educational institution:
- Universities: All UK universities and degree-awarding institutions
- Colleges: Further education colleges and sixth form colleges
- Apprenticeships: Recognized apprenticeship schemes
- Distance learning: Most distance learning students do not qualify unless required to attend in person regularly – check with your local council
- International students: Students from overseas studying in the UK
How Much Council Tax Reduction Do Students Get?
The amount of council tax reduction varies depending on your student status:
Student Council Tax Reduction Amounts:
- Full-time students: 100% exemption (no council tax to pay)
- Part-time students: 25% - 100% reduction based on income
- Student households: If all members of a household are full-time students, the property is usually exempt from council tax entirely
- Multiple students: Additional reductions if multiple students in household
- Student with disabilities: May qualify for additional reductions
Part-Time Students and Council Tax Reduction
Part-time students are not automatically exempt from council tax, but they can still qualify for reductions:
Part-Time Student Eligibility:
- Income-based: Must apply for council tax reduction based on income
- Same criteria: Uses same eligibility criteria as other low-income applicants
- Student status: Being a student may improve your chances of qualifying
- Additional benefits: May qualify for other benefits that affect council tax
- Application required: Must actively apply for council tax reduction
Apprentices and Council Tax Reduction
Apprentices can qualify for council tax exemption if they meet the full-time student criteria:
- Recognized apprenticeships: Must be on a recognized apprenticeship scheme
- Study hours: Must involve at least 21 hours of study per week
- Duration: Apprenticeship must last at least one academic year
- Income threshold: Apprentice must earn below a certain threshold
- Qualification: Training must lead to a recognised qualification
- Evidence required: Need proof from training provider
- Same exemption: Qualify for same 100% exemption as full-time students
How to Apply for Student Council Tax Exemption
The application process for student council tax exemption is usually straightforward:
- Get your student certificate: Obtain from your university or college
- Contact your local council: Call or visit your council's website
- Complete the application form: Most councils have online forms
- Submit your student certificate: Provide proof of your student status
- Wait for confirmation: Usually takes 2-4 weeks
- Receive exemption confirmation: You'll be notified of the outcome
Application Tips for Students:
- Apply early: Apply as soon as you start your course
- Keep certificates updated: Provide new certificates each academic year
- Include all students: Mention all students in your household
- Report changes: Inform council if your course ends or changes
- Check deadlines: Some councils have deadlines for applications
Required Documentation for Student Council Tax Exemption
You'll typically need to provide the following documents:
- Student certificate: Official certificate from your educational institution
- Course details: Information about your course and study hours
- Proof of enrollment: Confirmation of your student status
- Household information: Details about who lives with you
- Council tax bill: Your current council tax bill
- Proof of address: Recent utility bills or bank statements
- Proof of identity: Passport, driving licence, or birth certificate
Student Certificate
Your university or college can provide a student certificate confirming your full-time student status. This is the most important document for your application. Contact your student services or registry office.
Student Council Tax Exemption Form
Most councils have specific forms for student exemptions. Use the Find Your Council tool to access the correct exemption form for your area. Here's what to expect:
Form Requirements:
- Online forms: Most councils now offer online applications
- Student section: Dedicated section for student information
- Document upload: Ability to upload student certificate
- Course details: Information about your course and institution
- Household information: Details about who lives with you
- Study hours: Confirmation of your weekly study hours
Common Questions About Student Council Tax Reduction
Do Part-Time Students Qualify for Council Tax Reduction?
Yes, part-time students can qualify for council tax reduction, but they are not automatically exempt like full-time students. They need to apply for council tax reduction based on their income and circumstances, similar to other low-income applicants.
What Happens to Council Tax When I Finish My Course?
You must inform your council when you finish your course. Your student exemption will end, and you'll need to start paying council tax unless you qualify for other reductions based on your income or circumstances.
Do International Students Qualify for Council Tax Exemption?
Yes, international students studying in the UK can qualify for council tax exemption if they meet the full-time student criteria. The same rules apply regardless of nationality.
Can I Get Council Tax Reduction During Summer Holidays?
Yes, your student exemption continues during holidays as long as you remain enrolled on your course. The exemption applies for the entire academic year, including holidays.
Student Council Tax Reduction Calculator
While exact amounts vary by council, here's what students can typically expect:
Estimated Savings for Students:
- Full-time students: £1,000-£2,500 per year (100% exemption)
- Part-time students: £250-£1,000 per year (depending on income)
- Student households: £500-£1,500 per year (reduced for other members)
- Multiple students: £1,500-£3,000 per year (additional reductions)
- With other benefits: Could be even higher
Note: These are estimates only. Actual amounts depend on your council, course, and circumstances.
What If Your Application is Refused?
If your student council tax exemption application is refused:
- Check the reason: Ask your council why the application was refused
- Provide additional evidence: Submit more information about your course
- Get updated certificate: Obtain a new student certificate if needed
- Seek advice: Contact your student union or Citizens Advice
- Appeal if necessary: You can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal
Important Reminder
Even though full-time students are entitled to exemption from council tax, you still need to apply for the exemption. Don't assume it will be applied automatically - you must contact your council and provide proof of your student status.
Apply as soon as you start your course to avoid any delays in receiving your exemption.
Getting Help with Your Student Application
You don't have to apply alone. Several organizations can help:
Check Your Eligibility Now
Take our quick eligibility quiz to find out if you qualify for council tax reduction. It only takes 2-3 minutes and you'll get instant results.
Start Eligibility Check✓ Free to use • ✓ No registration required • ✓ Instant results
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential advice on benefits and council tax reduction.
Visit Citizens Advice →Student Minds
Student mental health charity with advice on student issues.
Visit Student Minds →NUS (National Union of Students)
Student union with advice on student rights and benefits.
Visit NUS →Local Council
Direct contact with your council's benefits team.
Find Your Council →Need More Help?
If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help with your application, don't hesitate to contact your local council or seek advice from your student union. Most full-time students are entitled to council tax exemption.
Learn how to apply