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Council Tax

Full-time students studying for a full academic year are exempt from paying Council Tax. However, students who withdraw from the University for a period of time may incur a liability. It is your responsibility to find out if you are liable for Council Tax payments. This exemption does not extend to owner-occupiers who let to a non-student. Students who are enrolled for a standard full academic year beginning in September will be exempt up to the final day of the academic session, i.e. the end of the last full week in May. For the avoidance of doubt, this normally excludes the period from studies finishing up to and including graduation week, but includes Orientation Week. Please note that full-time students who are studying for one semester only may not qualify for council tax exemption and therefore should add this to their budget.

See Semester dates.

The Council Tax liability of Postgraduate Research Students is usually based upon start dates and dates of examination. Individual Councils have different operation rules, however the ASC (Advice and Support Centre) will be able to provide you with documentation regarding your student status and attendance.

Supply of electronic data to Fife Council

Certificates of exemption are not routinely issued by the University Registry. Instead, the Registry has a statutory obligation to submit an electronic list of registered students to Fife Council for the purpose of validating Council Tax exemptions. This list contains personal details including the student's name, full term-time address and the start and end dates of the course. However, if you should receive a letter from Fife Council requesting you to pay Council Tax it is your responsibility to obtain a Council Tax Exemption Form from the Council, have it filled out by a member of the ASC and return it to the Council.

Other councils

If you are resident outwith the Fife Council catchment area, your details will not be sent automatically to your council. You will need to obtain a Council Tax Exemption Form and have it signed and certified at the ASC (Advice and Support Centre), 79 North Street, St Andrews.

If you have any doubts, contact either the ASC or Student Services or telephone Fife Council (08451 551155) and ask for the Student Council Tax Section.