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Students and spouses

Who counts as a 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.