If you’re enrolled in full-time postgraduate courses, you usually won’t have to pay council tax. This is because you’re considered a student, not a resident. To qualify, you must be enrolled in a degree program that lasts for at least one academic year and requires you to study for at least 21 hours per week. You must also be living in the property solely for the purpose of your studies. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, contact your local council for more information.
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Full Time Studentship and Council Tax Exemption
Council tax is a local tax levied on properties in the United Kingdom to raise funds for local services such as education, social care, and waste collection. However, full-time students are typically exempt from paying council tax, regardless of their level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). This exemption applies to students residing in halls of residence provided by their educational institution or in privately rented accommodation.
- Students studying full-time on a course at a recognized educational institution, such as a university or college, are automatically exempt from paying council tax.
- The exemption applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as students on part-time courses lasting more than 21 hours per week.
- Students must be resident at the property for which they are claiming the exemption.
- If a student shares a property with non-students, the student is still entitled to the exemption, but the non-students will be liable for council tax.
It is important to note that the council tax exemption for students is not automatic. Students must apply to their local council for an exemption certificate. To apply, students will need to provide proof of their student status, such as a student ID card or a letter from their educational institution.
| Criteria | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Full-time student | Yes |
| Part-time student studying over 21 hours per week | Yes |
| Student living in halls of residence | Yes |
| Student living in private rented accommodation | Yes |
If a student’s application for an exemption is denied, they may be able to appeal the decision. Students should contact their local council for more information about the appeals process.
Do Full-Time Postgraduate Students Pay Council Tax?
Whether or not full-time postgraduate students pay council tax depends on several factors, including their residency status, whether they live in halls of residence, and the terms of their tenancy agreement.
Postgraduate Students and Council Tax Assessments
Typically, full-time postgraduate students are considered to be “resident” in the UK for council tax purposes if they meet the following criteria:
- They are a UK national or have “settled status” (e.g. Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- They have been living in the UK for at least 183 days in the previous 12 months.
- They intend to remain in the UK for at least six months.
If a postgraduate student meets these criteria, they will be liable to pay council tax unless they qualify for an exemption or discount.
Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions for Postgraduate Students
In some cases, postgraduate students may be eligible for a council tax discount or exemption. This may include:
- Students who live in halls of residence that are owned and managed by their university.
- Students who live in private accommodation and share a property with other students.
To apply for a council tax discount or exemption, postgraduate students should contact their local council.
Additional Resources
For more information about council tax and postgraduate students, please refer to the following resources:
- Council tax – GOV.UK
- Council tax exemptions and discounts – Citizens Advice
- Council tax and students – Money Advice Service
| Criteria | Liability |
|---|---|
| UK national or settled status | Yes |
| Living in the UK for 183 days | Yes |
| Intend to remain in the UK for 6 months | Yes |
| Living in university halls of residence | No |
| Living in private accommodation with other students | May be eligible for a discount |
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