For many of you this will be the first time that you will have to consider Council Tax. To help with this we have detailed below the basics regarding students and council tax. If you have any further questions, see our Student FAQ or contact us.
Full-time students
If you are a Full–time student you are eligible to claim a council tax exemption or discount.
What is a full-time student?
For council tax purposes a full–time student is someone who
- is undertaking a course of education at a college or university for 21 hours or more per week for a least 24 weeks;
or
- is under 20 years old and is undertaking course(s) of non-advanced education for 12 hours or more for at least 3 months
and
are registered with a specified educational establishment undertaking a course which leads to the award of a relevant qualification by that establishment.
NB: Glasgow City Council will no longer consider you as a student for council tax purposes when your course ends, if you drop out or are no longer permitted to attend by the college or university.
Part-time students
If you are a part-time student, you are not eligible for Council Tax exemption or discount. You may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit which is based on your income. For more information on council tax benefit see our Council Tax Benefit page.
If you are not sure whether you are a full-time or part-time student, contact your college or university who will be able to give advice.
Exemptions and Discounts
- An exemption from council tax may be awarded if you are a full time-time student who lives alone or if you live with other full-time students only.
- A discount from council tax may be awarded if full-time student(s) live with one person that is not a student. The discount award is based on the full household circumstances and the full-time student will not be held liable for Council Tax.
NB: If you live in recognised halls of residence you will automatically receive exemption from Council Tax.
How to claim your Council Tax exemption or discount entitlement
Complete in full our application form, either online or download, print and return to Glasgow City Council, PO Box 36, Glasgow G1 1JE.
Remember you must supply proof of student status for all students that live with you as detailed below.
Proving you are a student
Glasgow Caledonian University students are only required to complete our application form as the university will confirm student status electronically to Glasgow City Council.
University of Strathclyde students can opt-in on the university Pegasus system. This will confirm student status electronically to Glasgow City Council. (Please allow at least 14 days for this information to reach us)
If you do not attend either of the above please supply one of the following:
Your college or university can complete Section 2 of our application form and return.
You can provide your student exemption certificate that the college or university can issue to you on request.
Note: These documents should be completed by the College / University Registry or Student Service department.
We may not accept documents completed by a Reader, Lecturer, Course Supervisor etc.
Remember you must also complete an application form for exemption or discount.
Contact Us
If you are still unsure about any Council Tax matters, see our list of Frequently Asked Questions, or
- Contact us by email
- by telephone on 0141 287 5050
- (Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 6 pm)
- in person to 280 George Street, Glasgow G1 1PR
(Monday - Friday 9 am - 4.30 pm)
(Offices close at 1pm on the third Wednesday in every month for staff training)
Remember to include your name, address, council tax reference and contact telephone number in all correspondence you send to us.
After you have viewed the information required we would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete our short survey.