Council Tax
Last updated: 09/08/2023 14:10
Council Tax is the system of local taxation used in England, Scotland and Wales to part-fund the services provided by local authorities. It is a tax on domestic property.
Council Tax exemption certificates for new students are automatically issued within 24 hours of enrolment. A PDF copy of the certificate will be emailed to you. You can also request a copy of your Council Tax exemption certificate at any time via SIMS online.
The majority of full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students are exempt from paying Council Tax. This includes students undertaking a placement year, on an Interruption of Study or undertaking a full-time course temporarily on a part-time basis.
You only need to pay Council Tax if you:
- are a part-time student
- are a full-time student repeating your final year and not in attendance (external students)
- are on a pre-sessional course that is less than 24 weeks duration.
Incoming European and international exchange students at Cardiff University for 24 weeks or less must manually request their council tax exemption letter (see this page's incoming European and international exchange student section).
Council Tax exemption certificate
A Council Tax exemption certificate will exempt you from paying Council Tax as a full-time student. You will need to give this certificate to your landlord or the local Council requesting evidence of your eligibility for exemption.
This certificate relates to you as an individual, not the address shown on it. If you change your address, you should not need a new certificate.
Council Tax exemption certificates for new students will be automatically issued within 24 hours of your enrolment. A PDF copy will be emailed to you, and you can also print a copy of your Council Tax exemption certificate at any time via SIMS online.
Students living in university accommodation do not need a Council Tax certificate, but one has been provided in case you move into private accommodation.
Watch a short video on how to retrieve your Council Tax exemption:
Watch a short video on how to retrieve your Council Tax exemption
Special circumstances
Incoming European and international exchange students
Incoming European and international exchange students at Cardiff University for 24 weeks or less must manually request their Council Tax exemption letter.
If you are studying at Cardiff University for less than 24 weeks, you must send Cardiff Council a letter from your home university confirming that you are on a full-time programme of study.
You will also need a Council Tax letter from Cardiff University confirming that your time studying here is part of a full-time programme in your home country. You must manually request this letter from Cardiff University’s Student Operations team via the Student Connect portal.
If you are an incoming European or an international exchange student studying for more than 24 weeks, you will receive the Council Tax certificate via email within 24 hours of completing enrolment.
Students who live with people who are not full-time students
Since April 2004, full-time students in this position no longer have a shared liability with those who are not full-time students. If there is only one person who is not in full-time education in the house, they are liable for Council Tax but will get a 25% reduction on their bill.
If you live with a landlord or landlady
If you live with your landlord or landlady and share basic amenities like the bathroom and kitchen, then it is your landlord or landlady's responsibility to pay the Council Tax.
Research students in their dissertation phase
Postgraduate students who are in the writing-up period of their course will be exempt from Council Tax up until the submission of their Thesis. They are not eligible for exemption while awaiting their viva or carrying out corrections.
International students
The husband or wife and dependents of an international student should also be treated as if they are full-time students, provided they are:
- not a British citizen, and
- prevented by immigration regulations from taking paid employment or claiming benefits whilst living in the UK.
If you are a husband or wife of a student, you will need to provide a copy of your passport or visa.
Withdrawal from your course
If you leave your course permanently, then you will not be classed as a full-time student for Council Tax purposes. You will then be liable to pay, though you may be able to claim full or part Council Tax Benefit to help you pay.
Getting help
If you require a Council Tax Exemption Certificate, contact Student Operations via the Student Connect portal.
The Student Funding and Advice Team can provide you with advice and information regarding Council Tax and exemption.