Help and support for students aged 16-19
If you're continuing your studies or starting a full time course you may be able to get help to meet the cost.
16-19 bursary fund
You may be able to receive a bursary to help meet the cost of your studies.
If you are 16-19 and studying or starting a full time course (from September 2011) you may be eligible for a 16-19 bursary.
This is awarded by schools, colleges and training providers to students who are struggling to meet the cost of their course.
Students most in need of financial help may receive a bursary (a grant to meet the costs of your studies) of £1, 200 a year. This group includes:
people in care
care leavers
people claiming income support
disabled young people who receive Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
With the exception of the £1,200 bursary for those most in need schools, colleges and training providers are responsible for deciding the amount given.
They will also decide when the money is paid and whether there are any conditions on the person receiving it, such as meeting attendance or behaviour targets.
You can find out more about the 16-19 bursary fund by following the links to the Department for Education or Directgov websites in the information on other websites section of this web page.
Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA)
The Education Maintenance Allowance, also known as EMA, is now closed to new applications and has been replaced by the 16-19 bursary fund.
If you are already receiving EMA you can find out what will happen to your payments on the Directgov site by following the link in the information on other websites section of this web page.
Other types of help and support
We don't provide any maintenance grants. If you're worried about meeting the cost of your studies you should speak to your tutor or student services at your school, college or training provider. They will be able to advise you on options.
For information on other types of support such as care to learn; dance and drama awards; help with the cost of studying away from home visit the Directgov website through the link in the information on other websites section of this web page.
Our post 16 transport policy provides information on what support there is or how we can help with the cost of transport to your school, college or training provider. You can find it on the post 16 transport web page.
Information on other websites
Information is also available about the 16-19 bursary (opens in a new window) and what will happen to your payments if you're receiving an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) on the Directgov website. This website also provides information on other types of grant and support available to students aged 16-19.