You may be able to get a Council Tax discount or exemption if you are a full-time student.
- If everyone at the property is a student, the property is exempt. This means there is nothing to pay, but you must still apply. Please see guidance below.
- If one household member (over 18) isn't a student, the property can't be exempt. The non-student is responsible for the bill.
- If two or more household members (over 18) aren't students there is no exemption, but there may be a reduction. See other reasons for discounts and exemptions
When you can't get a Council Tax exemption
If one person in the property is not a student you can't get a student Council Tax exemption.
For example, if five people live in a house or flat, four are full-time students and one isn't, the property wouldn't be eligible for a Student Council Tax exemption.
However, the non-student would be eligible for a single person discount as the remaining students are disregarded for Council Tax purposes.
Full-time student?
You're a full-time student for Council Tax purposes if you're studying at university or most colleges and:
You are under the age of 20 and your course:
- leads to a qualification up to (but not above) A-level standard or equivalent
- lasts for more than three months
- involves more than 12 hours of study per week.
You are undertaking a university or college course that:
- lasts for at least one academic or calendar year
- requires you to be actively studying for at least 24 weeks out of a year
- involves study of at least 21 hours per week during term time.
Not all courses count towards 'full-time student' status. For example, distance learning or evening classes. You are not a full-time student if you're doing a course related to your job, such as a day release.
- Your college or university must be in the UK or the European Union, you don't have to attend; you can be engaged in Distance Learning as long as you meet the other student criteria.
- You must live in the UK.
Proof of student status
You will need to prove that you are a student when you apply for a student Council Tax exemption. Please request a certificate of student status from your college or university and include this with your application.
University of Creative Arts (UCA) students in Farnham
If you're studying at UCA you can request a council tax letter on their website. Please ensure your housemates also do this. See proof of enrolment letters on the UCA website for more information.
How to apply
You can apply online through the OPENPortal.
Register on the OPENPortal
To register, you will need the following information:
- your Council Tax reference number - found on your latest bill
- your full name as it appears on your Council Tax bill
- if you have applied for Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security.
Once you have registered and logged in, you will find the link to 'Apply or cancel disregard' on the right of the page, under 'Quick links'.
Sign in or register for the OPENPortal
How to contact us if you can't access the portal
More information
Find out more about Discounts for full-time students (gov.uk - opens new tab)