For many students living away from home, managing money is a constant challenge. Rent, food, and bills quickly add up, but one cost many students don’t have to pay is council tax.

Full-Time Students are exempt from paying council tax if the following apply:

• the course lasts for at least one year
• the course involves 21 hours of study per week 

How to request a tax exemption

Students living in private accommodation will need to apply for a council tax exemption. This ideally should be done shortly after moving into your property, but can also be done if you receive a council tax bill. 

If there are occupants in the household who do not hold full-time student status, but there is an occupant with full-time student status, they may qualify for a discount. 

Council Links

Find your local council and apply for your exemption via GOV.UK’s council tax discount tool (enter your postcode to go to the right council page). Apply here. 

• If you live in Coventry, use Coventry City Council’s proof of student status online form to submit evidence here. 
• If you live in North Yorkshire, follow North Yorkshire Council’s guidance and claim an exemption or discount via their council tax pages.
• If you live in London or elsewhere in the UK, apply for a Council Tax discount using your local council's exemption process. You can find your local council here.

How to find your Student Status letter

You will usually need to provide proof of your student status when applying for a council tax exemption. Your Student Status Letter proves you're officially enrolled at the university. It includes your course name, study dates, and whether you're studying full-time or part-time. This letter is needed as proof of student status to the council.

1. Log in to Nova using your university username and password
2. In Navigation on the left-side menu, select Letters > Create Letter
3. Choose the letter type (e.g., to whom this may concern) and fill in the details
4. Create a letter and download and print it in colour

If you're having issues with council tax

Student halls of residence are usually automatically exempt from council tax. If you receive a council tax bill, you can apply for an exemption. 

Postgraduate students may struggle to prove they are a student for council tax purposes if they are not currently studying/working at the university campus or in the thesis stage of their course. If you receive a bill and you are undertaking the course for the period of time needed to be in class for a full-time student, you can challenge the council's decision. 

For any questions with the council or if you need support in challenging a council tax bill decision, Your Advice Service can provide you with support and guidance. You can contact the service via their online enquiry form.