Council tax discounts - students and student nurses

Who is a student?

A person is considered a student if they are undertaking a full time course of education at a relevant educational establishment.

To be considered a student for the purposes of council tax, the course must:

• Last at least 1 academic year or calendar year
• Require attendance for at least 24 weeks in each academic or calendar year
• Require a minimum period of study of 21 hours per week (the emphasis is on study, not work experience)

If you study for a qualification up to A level and you are under 20, your course must:

• last at least 3 months
• involve at least 12 hours' study per week

The study course and the qualification must be at the level of either Further Education or Higher Education.

Any period of work experience you undertake must not exceed 50% of the whole time spent on your course. Work experience includes any time spent at your place of employment where you are there as part of your course; or you are there to gain experience of that trade or profession.

Not all courses will be classed as full-time for council tax purposes. For example distance learning or evening classes may not be considered a full-time course. Also, any courses being undertaken as part of your job - such as a day release – will not count.

Non-British spouse or dependant of a full-time student

If you have a non-British spouse or dependant living with you who is not a student, your student discount/exemption may still apply.

They must have a visa which prevents them from taking paid employment or claiming benefits

Who is a student nurse?

A person is considered a student nurse if they are on a course leading to registration on any of parts 1 to 6 or 8 of the Register maintained under section 10 of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979.

Only those studying for their first inclusion on the Register will be entitled to discount.

Students studying academic courses at university will be classed as students for council tax purposes.

How much discount can you get?

Your full council tax bill is based on at least two adults (people over 18) living in a property.

Students and student nurses do not count towards the number of adults considered to be living in a property.

This means if 2 adults live in a property and 1 of them is a student or student nurse, the bill will be worked out as if only 1 adult lives there. This would reduce the bill by 25%.

If the property is solely occupied by students, then the property is exempt from council tax.

Documents needed to apply

Before applying for student or student nurse discount, you will need the following documents:

• For students: a student certificate. You can get a certificate from your college or university Registration Officer
• For student nurses: a letter of confirmation from your employer

Apply for a council tax discount - students and student nurses

Last Modified: 27/06/2025 Back to top