Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
If getting paid to keep studying sounds too good to be true, keep reading - you could be in for some good news!
If getting paid to keep studying sounds too good to be true, keep reading - you could be in for some good news!
"You must apply for EMA from the country you're studying in"
What is EMA?
EMA is a payment to help you keep studying. So, if you're 16, 17 or 18 years old and you've left, or are about to leave, compulsory education you could get extra cash just to keep studying.
How much money can I get through an EMA?
Depending on your circumstances and which part of the UK you're from, EMA is worth up to £30 a week, paid directly into your bank account. Everything depends on your household income. Amounts vary in Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, so check the websites below for the country you will be studying in.
Students are often asked to sign a learning agreement and your payments could be linked to this agreement. If you meet targets set by your tutor you may qualify for cash bonuses. Fail to turn up to your course, however, and you may not get your EMA at all.
I'm Scottish/Welsh/Northern Irish, can I get EMA?
EMA is available throughout the UK but you must apply for EMA from the country you're studying in. So, if you're from Cardiff but going to live in Glasgow, you should apply for Scottish EMA.
Each country has its own EMA website:
What courses can I do on EMA?
In England you need to be studying one of the following:
In Northern Ireland, you need to be doing:
Any course that attracts a training allowance will not be covered by EMA. This includes Further Education (FE) Bursaries or Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Bursaries.
In Scotland, you need to be doing:
In Wales, you need to be doing:
By Emma Rubach
The amount of EMA you receive isn't affected by any money you earn from having a part-time job, and won't make any difference to any benefits your parents get, or to your income support.