Do Students Need a TV Licence? Rules, Cost and Refunds (2026/27)
Last updated: 13 November 2026
Moving into halls or a shared house raises a common question: do students need a TV licence? The short answer is yes if you watch or record live TV on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer, at your term-time address. This guide explains the rules for students in 2026/27, how much a licence costs, when your parents’ licence covers you and how to claim a refund over summer.
TV Licence Cost 2026/27
The standard colour TV licence rose to £180 a year from 1 April 2026. You can pay in one go, or spread the cost by monthly or quarterly instalments through TV Licensing.
When Do Students Need a TV Licence?
| What you do | Licence needed? |
|---|---|
| Watch live TV on any channel (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and others) as it is broadcast | Yes |
| Watch live TV on streaming services such as ITVX, Channel 4 or YouTube live channels | Yes |
| Watch or download anything on BBC iPlayer, live or on demand | Yes |
| Record live TV to watch later | Yes |
| Watch on-demand programmes on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video or catch-up (not BBC iPlayer) | No |
| Watch videos on YouTube that are not live TV | No |
The rules apply to every device: TV, laptop, tablet, phone or games console.
Does My Parents’ TV Licence Cover Me at University?
Usually not. Your parents’ licence only covers you at university if you watch on a device that is powered solely by its own internal batteries, such as a phone or laptop running unplugged, and is not connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains. As soon as you plug your laptop in while watching live TV or iPlayer, you need your own licence.
TV Licences in Halls and Shared Houses
- University halls: if you have your own tenancy agreement for your room, you need your own licence to watch live TV or iPlayer in your room. A licence for a communal TV room does not cover your bedroom.
- Shared house on a joint tenancy: one licence normally covers the whole house.
- Shared house with separate tenancy agreements for each room: each tenant who watches live TV or iPlayer in their room needs their own licence.
How to Get a TV Licence Refund Over Summer
If you leave your term-time address at the end of the academic year and no longer need the licence, you can apply to TV Licensing for a refund of any full months left on it. For example, if your licence runs until the end of September and you move out in June, you may be able to claim back the unused months. Apply online through TV Licensing once you have moved out.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a TV Licence?
Watching live TV or iPlayer without a valid licence is a criminal offence. You could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000, plus legal costs. If you genuinely don’t need a licence, you can tell TV Licensing through its online declaration so it stops sending letters.
How to Save Money
- Decide whether you actually watch live TV or iPlayer. Many students only use Netflix or YouTube.
- On a joint tenancy, split one licence between housemates.
- Use the monthly payment plan to spread the cost.
- Claim your summer refund when you move out.
- Look at our guides to student bank accounts and the 16–25 Railcard for more savings.
Will the TV Licence Change?
The BBC’s current Royal Charter runs until the end of 2027, and the government is reviewing how the BBC should be funded in future. For now, the licence fee rules above still apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need a TV licence for Netflix?
No. You only need a TV licence for live TV and BBC iPlayer. Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video on-demand content do not need a licence.
Do students get a discount on the TV licence?
There is no student discount, but you can claim a refund for full unused months when you move out at the end of the year.
Can my housemates and I share one TV licence?
Yes, if you all signed one joint tenancy agreement. If you each have separate agreements, each person who watches live TV or iPlayer needs their own.
How much is a TV licence for students?
Students pay the same as everyone else: £180 a year from April 2026.
Sources: TV Licensing guidance for students; licence fee announcements for 2026/27. Always check the latest rules on the official TV Licensing website.
