TV Licence - Student Financial Support

Do you watch or record live TV, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer?

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.

This could be on any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

If you do any of the above without a valid licence, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay. You will still have to buy a TV Licence if you need one.

To bust some myths TV Licensing have put together a student toolkit.  Find out more about students and the TV Licence. 

There are lots of different ways to buy a TV Licence.

• You can use a TV Licensing payment card and pay online, by phone, at any PayPoint, or by text.
• You can spread the cost with a monthly or quarterly direct debit.
• You can make one payment every year, by direct debit, cheque, postal order or BACS, or by taking a debit card or cash to any PayPoint.

You'll probably only need one licence between you if you have a joint tenancy agreement for the whole house. This is the most common type of shared house arrangement.

You might need your own licence if your accommodation is self-contained. Accommodation is self-contained if you have exclusive access to washing facilities, or your own entrance to the property.

You will also need your own licence if you have a separate tenancy agreement for your own room.