TV Licensing

Calling all Students: Don't miss out on a refund

As students begin winding down for the year, TV Licensing is reminding those moving house for the summer they may be able to claim a refund, worth £36, on their licence.

Students who bought a TV Licence at the start of the academic year will have three full months remaining on their licence, and a refund can be claimed for this unused quarter.

To be eligible for the refund, students need to have a TV Licence with three months remaining on it, be leaving their halls or rented accommodation and be moving to a licensed address. Students can apply for their refund online or over the phone.

For those students who aren't returning home, but moving straight into a shared house or private accommodation, they can easily transfer their TV Licence to their new address.

Jason Hill, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said:

With exam season fast approaching, the student refund is great news for students who planned ahead and bought their licence at the start of the academic year. We would always prefer students to buy a licence using our wide variety of payment methods rather than risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Recent research^* by TV Licensing shows two-in-five students have a tablet at university capable of streaming live TV. A TV Licence is needed to watch, record or stream programmes at the same time as they are shown on a TV, laptop, games console, tablet, mobile phone, or any other device.

Megan Dunn, National President, National Union of Students (NUS), added:

The summer months are a fantastic opportunity for students to return home and repair their bank balances. We encourage students to make a good start now and apply for a refund from TV Licensing to put the £36 back in your pocket. Whether you’re looking to get a refund or change your address, both are a really easy to do meaning you enjoy your time off from studying.

Visit our Students FAQ page to let us know if you would like to arrange a refund or transfer your TV licence to a new address. You can also call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113.

^*Research was conducted by Harris Interactive using YouthSight's student panel among 515 students spread across the UK in November 2015.