A simple guide for desi students, families, and newcomers | ScottishIndian.com
Whether you’re a student just setting up your room, a couple settling into a new flat, or a family watching your favourite Indian serials — there’s one question that often surprises newcomers in the UK:
👉 Do I really need to pay for a TV licence?
The answer is — probably yes (but not always).
🎯 What Is a TV Licence in the UK?
A TV Licence is a legal requirement in the UK if you:
- Watch or record live TV on any channel, including Sky, Freeview, BBC, ITV, etc.
- Use BBC iPlayer, even if it’s on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
This applies regardless of the device or service — whether you’re watching on a smart TV, mobile phone, Fire Stick, or even a gaming console.
💡 Yes, even if you only watch live Indian channels (like Zee, Sony, or Star Plus) via satellite, you’ll still need one.
🧾 How Much Does a TV Licence Cost?
As of 2025, the standard fee is £169.50 per year for a colour TV licence. You can:
- Pay in full
- Pay monthly or quarterly via Direct Debit
- Get a refund if you cancel it before the year ends (based on how much time is left)
You can register or manage your licence via the official site:
👉 tvlicensing.co.uk
👨🎓 Do Students Need a TV Licence?
Yes, if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. But here’s the catch:
- If you live in a shared house, your room needs a separate licence unless your landlord provides one for the entire home.
- If you only stream on-demand content (like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime) and don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer — you don’t need a licence.
📢 ScottishIndian tip: Stick to streaming services and skip iPlayer if you’re on a budget.
🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
TV Licensing officers do door-to-door checks, especially in student-heavy areas. If they find you’re watching TV without a licence when one is required, you could face:
- A fine up to £1,000
- Legal trouble and court summons
Even if you don’t watch live TV, it’s best to declare yourself licence-free on the website — that way, you’re covered.
👉 Declare here: TV Licence – No Licence Needed
💸 Who Is Exempt or Eligible for a Discount?
- Over 75s: Can apply for a free licence (but only if receiving Pension Credit).
- Visually impaired people: Eligible for a 50% discount.
- Students: No discount, but you can apply for a partial refund if you only need it for part of the year (e.g. term time only).
The UK has many surprising systems, and the TV Licence is one that often confuses newcomers — especially those used to free-to-air or all-inclusive services in India.
But once you know the rules, you can avoid fines, save money, and only pay for what you actually use. Whether you’re binge-watching Bollywood on Netflix or catching IPL highlights on YouTube — if it’s not live or on iPlayer, you’re probably in the clear.
For more everyday survival guides for desi folks in the UK, check out ScottishIndian.com — your ultimate cultural companion abroad.
