Further Education Funding

I'm 19 years old or younger and applying for funding to support me?

If you are aged 19 or under and do not have your 20th birthday during the academic, you need to select the EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) option on the form to be assessed. Any student who is eligible for EMA will receive and award of £30 per week.

• If you are the only young person dependant on your parent or guardian in the household, the household income needs to be between £0 - £24,421 to be eligible.
• If there are two or more dependant children (including yourself) in the household, the total household income needs to be between £0 - £26,684 to be eligible.

EMA must be paid into the students own bank account and you only receive payments for time actually spent in college (so no paid holidays, boo!). It is also dependant on attendance (100%), your conduct on the course and your behaviour.

I am 20 years old or older and applying for funding to support me?

There are different awards you will be given for bursary depending on your circumstances. First you will be assessed as either 'Parentally Supported' or 'Self Supporting'.

• Parentally Supported Students - This category is for students aged between 20-24 on the first day of the course or those who turn 20 during their course. This category means you will be assessed on your parent or guardians household income, unless you meet one of the extra requirements below.
• Self-Supporting Students - This category is for students aged 25 and over but those that are under 25 can apply if they meet any of the following criteria;
  • Married or living in an established relationship for three months prior to course
  • Have supported yourself from earning or benefits for any three years prior to the start of your course. Please be aware that income from bursaries or student loans does not count.
  • Have no living parents
  • Have a child who is dependant on you
  • Are estranged from your parents