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Student exemption / discount on Council Tax

Full time students will either be fully exempt from Council Tax or may be eligible for a discount.

Do you need to pay Council Tax?
I am a studentDo I pay Council Tax?
Living full time in halls of residenceNo
Living full time off campus and sharing with people who are all studentsNo
Living full time off campus and sharing with some students and some non-studentsIf there is only one non-student, the household can apply for a discount.
If there is more than one non-student (aged 18+) in the property, no discount can be awarded.
A part time studentYes, part-time students have to pay Council Tax

If you attend the following, we will be sent a list of students each academic year:

  • Swansea University

If you attend another educational establishment, we will need to see a copy of your Council Tax student certificate. You can get a copy from the administration office at your establishment.

Apply for Council Tax student discounts or exemptions Apply for Council Tax student discounts or exemptions

 

Frequently asked questions

Am I a full time student?

In general, to be classed as a full-time student the course attended must:

  • Last at least one year
  • Involve at least 21 hours study per week

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

  • Last at least three months
  • Involve at least 12 hours study per week.

This can include NVQs.

I am an overseas student

If you are an overseas student you may still be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax.

It is very important that you tell the council that you are a student and that proof of this is provided such as a copy of your student certificate.

You will need to apply for the discount via the above link and attach a copy of your certificate. If you are unable to attach your student certificate when completing the online form, you can send this to us via an email to council.tax@swansea.gov.uk at a later time, as soon as you have it available.

If you have a non-British partner, the exemption will cover you both providing your partner's passport is produced showing the endorsement "No recourse to public funds". Please bring (do not post) the passport to us in the Civic Centre so we can take a copy for our records to confirm your partners status.  

If you do not have a partner living with you, you do not need to provide your passport to us.

Please remember if you do not contact us you may receive a Council Tax bill for the full amount.

How much is my share of the Council Tax?

If there is any Council Tax to pay after the appropriate reductions have been allowed, all the people named on the bill that are liable to pay it. It is up to individuals and joint tenants/owners how they decide to share out this bill.

If there is any Council Tax left unpaid, all the people named on the bill will be jointly held liable to pay this debt even if they have already paid what they consider to be their share.

What if I start renting before my course starts?

It is common for students to reserve a property before the course commences. Let us know that you are a student and where you are studying. Also that you have only taken the property on so that you can study in Swansea.

If your tenancy commences a little earlier than your course then any exemption or discount granted should be backdated to the start of your tenancy once we have seen the necessary proof of your status as a student.

Please remember if you do not contact us you will receive a Council Tax bill for the full amount.

Apply for Council Tax student discounts or exemptions

In order to qualify for a student exemption, every occupant must be a student.
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