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Students · 2025/26

Student Council Tax Exemption

Full-time students are disregarded for council tax. Whether your household pays anything depends on who else lives there.

£

Status

Exempt

All full-time students — 100% exempt from council tax.

What you’ll pay

  • Full bill
    £1,800
  • Discount (100%)
    −£1,800
  • Payable
    £0

How we calculated your result

We count full-time students vs other adults in the property. All-student households are exempt. One non-student gets the 25% single-person discount. Two or more non-students = full bill.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • Full-time = 21+ study hours per week, course at least 24 weeks long.
  • Apply directly to your local council with a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from your university.
  • Student nurses, apprentices and youth trainees may also be disregarded.
  • 16–17-year-olds in full-time non-advanced education count as students.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Summer break

    You stay enrolled — and exempt — over summer. Drop out and the exemption ends from that day.

  • ⚠ PhD writing-up year

    You may be classed as part-time after your funded period — check with your uni’s registry.

  • ⚠ Mid-tenancy changes

    If a non-student moves in or out, tell the council within 21 days or risk a penalty.

Frequently asked questions

What if my partner isn’t a student?
They’ll get the 25% single-person discount. If you take a year out, they lose it.
Do international students qualify?
Yes — student status is based on the course, not nationality.
Halls of residence?
Usually exempt as Class N — the bill never even reaches you.

Council tax rules vary slightly between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Always confirm with your local council.

Related calculators

More tools in Students.