Council tax
Council tax is the system of local taxation used in England, Scotland and Wales to part fund the services provided by local government in each country. Full-time students are usually exempt from paying council tax.
How to claim council tax exemption
We'll send your details to the City of Edinburgh Council after the start of the trimester if you are a registered full-time student and have an Edinburgh term-time address – so make sure your student record is up to date on eStudent records.
If you are asked to complete a council tax exemption form, you can download this via eStudent records. If you are unable to download the form or have any issues, please contact one of our campus receptions for assistance.
Council tax areas
City of Edinburgh Council
If you live in the City of Edinburgh Council area the University will send your details approximately 4 weeks after the start of the trimester to inform them that you are a student if you are:
- a full-time registered student and
- have an Edinburgh term-time address on eStudent Records
You also need to confirm your term-time address with the council by completing their online form.
Please ensure your term-time address is accurate on eStudent Records and remember to update it if you move.
Other council areas
If you live outside Edinburgh, check with your local council for further advice.
If they ask you to complete an exemption form, you can download this from eStudent Records. If you are unable to download the form or have any issues, please contact one of our campus receptions for assistance.
End of council tax exemption
Your council tax exemption will cease on your course expiry date and NOT your graduation date.
The course end date is the last date an examination can be scheduled in what is due to be the final trimester of the final year of your course of study. For example, the end date for most undergraduate honours degree courses is considered to be the last day of the trimester 2 examinations diet.