Do international students need a TV licence in the UK?
When a TV licence is required (live TV or BBC iPlayer on any device), what it costs, the rule for university halls, and what does not need one.
Reviewed 28 September 2026 · 1 min read
Short answer: Only if you watch live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer, on any device including a laptop or phone. It costs £174.50 a year. Streaming services such as Netflix do not need one. In university halls it is one licence per room, not per building.
When you need one
- Watching or recording live TV on any channel, on any device
- Using BBC iPlayer, live or on demand
When you do not
- On-demand streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video) and YouTube
- Catch-up services other than iPlayer
In halls and shared houses
In university halls, each room with its own tenancy needs its own licence if you watch live TV there. In a shared house with one joint tenancy, one licence usually covers the household. The cost is £174.50 a year, and you can pay monthly. This is item 11 on the first 30 days checklist.
Sources
General information, not regulated immigration advice. Rules change; check the source before you act, and speak to an IAA-registered adviser about your case.