Full time students
Full-time students who don't live in a university hall of residence don't usually need to pay council tax, if everyone in the household is a full-time student. You need to claim an exemption.
If everyone at the property is a student, the property is exempt. We will need to verify the status of all residents.
If one household member (over 18) isn't a student, the property can't be exempt. You may still be able to get a discount.
If two or more household members (over 18) are not students, there are no student reductions.
You are classed as a full-time student for council tax if:
- you are 18 or over and at college, university or similar
- your course lasts at least 24 weeks in the year
- your course contains at least 21 hours of study a week
- your college or university considers your course to be full-time
Apply for Council Tax exemption for full-time students
Part time students
Part-time students do have to pay council tax. They may be able to get Council Tax Reduction to help pay it.
One part-time student sharing with one full-time student
There is a 25 per cent reduction for the full-time student. The part-time student is responsible for the rest of the bill. They may qualify for Council Tax Reduction.
If two or more part-time students share with full-time students
It doesn't matter how many full-time students, there is no reduction. The part-time students are responsible for the whole bill. They may qualify for Council Tax Reduction if they have low incomes.
One part-time student living with one non-student
There is no reduction. Both are responsible for the bill. They may be able to get Council Tax Reduction to help with it if they have low incomes.