Applies to: People studying or permanently resident in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The scheme is now closed in England. 

Age rules:16-19 year olds

Type of benefit: Means-tested

Administered by: Student Finance Wales in Wales, your local authority or college bursary office in Scotland, Student Loans Company Limited in Northern Ireland.

Broadly speaking, you could get Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if:

• you are 16, 17, 18 or 19, and

• you are old enough to leave school if you want to, and

• you are carrying on with your studies.

The EMA scheme in England is now closed. However, schools and colleges have funds to award bursaries to people aged 16-19 who need help.

If you are:

• in care
• a care leaver
• claiming Income Support or Universal Credit
• receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• receiving Universal Credit and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

You could receive a bursary of £1,200 a year from your school or college.

If you are not in one of these groups, you can still apply for a bursary from your school or college but any award will be made at the school or college's discretion. They will also decide what conditions you should meet to receive a bursary - for example, linked to your behaviour or attendance record.

You can read more about bursaries on the 16-19 bursaries page of the Gov.UK website

Live in Scotland or Wales but plan to study in England

If you live in Scotland or Wales but plan to study in England, you can get EMA but you should apply in the country you normally live.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each has their own Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme.

Wales

In Wales, your family's income must be £23,078 or less. It also depends on how many dependant children there are in your household. You can find out about the scheme in Wales on the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) page of the Student Finance Wales website. 

Scotland

In Scotland, your family's income must be £26,884 or less. It also depends on how many dependant children there are in your household. You can find out more about the scheme in Scotland on the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) page of the mygov.scot website

Live in Scotland or Wales but plan to study in England

If you live in Scotland or Wales but plan to study in England, you can get EMA but you should apply in the country you normally live.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, your family's income must be between £20,501 and £22,500. It also depends on how many dependant children there are in your household. You can find our more about the scheme in Northern Ireland on the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) page of the NI direct website.

EMA comes in weekly payments of:

• £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• £40 in Wales

If you live in Northern Ireland, on top of your weekly amount, you may also get bonuses if you continue to do well and meet targets set by your teacher when you start.

You will only get your money if you regularly attend and work hard on your course.

It is not affected by any money you earn from part-time work and will not make any difference to any benefits your parents or guardians get.

You usually apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in the country where you are studying.

However, if you live in Scotland or Wales and plan to study in England, you should apply for EMA in the country where you normally live.

Wales

In Wales, you can get an application form online or by asking your school or college for a form.

• Online: Education and Maintenance Allowance pages on the Student Finance Wales website

Post your completed application to: Wales Customer Services, PO Box 5596, Glasgow, G52 9BR.

Scotland

In Scotland, you apply through your local council. Different councils have different forms and different processes. Check the EMA page of the My Gov Scot website. 

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, you can get an application form online or by calling or emailing the EMA helpline.

• Online: EMA forms page of the NI direct website
• Telephone: 0300 200 7089
• Email: ema_ni@slc.co.uk 

What documents will I need?

Your parent or carer will need to send evidence of the household income for the relevant tax year , for example, their Tax Credit Award Notice (TC602) or P60.

You have to give details of your bank account when you apply for EMA. To open a bank account, you will need evidence of who you are, for example, a passport or driving licence.

Live in Scotland or Wales but plan to study in England

If you live in Scotland or Wales but plan to study in England, you can get EMA but you should apply in the country where you normally live.

Further information

See also the Gov.UK information on Education Maintenance Allowance

Reviewed: August 2022