Student Discount

Discounts for full-time students

Households which are occupied exclusively by full-time students do not have to pay Council Tax.

If only one person living in your household is not a full-time student they will have to pay Council Tax, but they can apply for a 25% disregard discount.

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

• last at least one academic or calendar year at a recognised educational establishment
• 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 3 months
• involve at least 12 hours study per week between 8.30am and 5.30pm

Other eligible people include:

• a student nurse taking a course leading to a Diploma in Higher Education in Nursing or registration under Section 10 of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979
• an apprentice if you are employed learning a trade, business, profession, office employment or vocation that leads to a qualification recognised by the National Council for Vocational Training. Your wage must be less than £195 per week and be expected to go up when you are qualified
• a Youth Training trainee who is under 25 and on a recognised youth training scheme

How to apply

To apply for a student discount, you will need a certificate from the registrar of your school, college or university, or, if you are a trainee, a letter from your employer stating:

• your name
• your school, college or university, or if appropriate, employer
• your PRID number, if you are a full time student at the University of Essex, or,
• if you are studying elsewhere, you will need a document from your place of study which confirms your course dates and whether you are a full or part time time student
• your date of birth – for qualifying courses only
• proof of income, if applying as an apprentice

To apply please complete our online application form.

What happens once I apply?

If you are eligible, a new bill will be sent with your discount or exemption applied.

Until you get your new bill, you should continue to pay your Council Tax as normal.