Funding options for post-16

Don't let money worries put you off pursuing your dreams. There are many different kinds of funding out there to help you pursue further study after your compulsory free education finishes.

"Carefully consider whether you can afford a loan and how you will pay it back."

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a payment to help you keep studying available in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It's available to 16, 17 and 18 year olds who have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education. It's worth up to £30 a week, depending on your circumstances and how much your parents earn, paid directly into your bank account. Find out how EMA works throughout the UK by reading our full guide.

Learner Support Funds are available in schools and colleges in England for students who are struggling financially. Ask a teacher to show you how to apply.

Adult Learning Grant

An Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is similar to the EMA, but for people aged 19 and over. You get around £30 a week, depending on your circumstances. To be eligible for ALG, the course you take must lead to your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. You must also be studying full-time – at least 12 hours a week – and attending college regularly. Check with your college to make sure the course you're doing is eligible for an ALG.

Career Development Loan

A Career Development Loan (CDL) can help to pay for up to two years of learning, or up to three years if the course includes one year's relevant practical work experience. A CDL can support many full-time, part-time, or distance-learning courses and you don't have to pay any interest until your course is finished. You can apply for between £300 and £8000 over two years from Barclays or The Co-operative Bank. Be aware that you will have to repay your loan, whether you complete the course or not. Carefully consider whether you can afford a loan and how you will pay it back before taking one out. You should also research the course provider thoroughly and make sure they are reputable before agreeing to any loan offered either by them or the bank.

Discretionary Support Funds

Discretionary Support Funds are available in colleges and school sixth forms to help with learning costs. They're for people who find themselves in financial hardship and can be used in an emergency to help with childcare, accommodation, study materials, field trips and, if you're over 18, travel costs. You need to ask you tutor at college or sixth form to find out more. This money doesn't have to be paid back.

Residential Bursaries

A number of 'specialist residential centres' across the UK offer extra support for students wanting to study particular courses. Places are only available to people who cannot study this subject locally and so need to live away from home. There is a list of the 51 colleges on the scheme on the DirectGov website. This money doesn't have to be paid back.

The Residential Support Scheme

If there is no Residential Bursary available for your course, you may qualify for the Residential Support Scheme (RSS). If you qualify, the scheme will help pay for your term-time accommodation. You can claim up to £3458 (£4079 in the London Area) towards your costs each year, for up to a maximum of three years. Details of how to apply can be found on the DirectGov website. This money doesn't have to be paid back.

Educational Grants

Unlike a loan, grants don't have to be paid back. For example The General Federation of Trades Unions Educational Trust offers grants of up to £150 a year for people studying economics, history, industrial law, industrial relations or other subjects. For more information, call the Federation on 020 7387 2578. Charity Family Action can help you find out where to get a grant through their Educational Grants Advisory Service. They also run a helpline on 020 7254 6251.

Dance and Drama Awards

Dance and Drama Awards are for students over the age of 16 who want to work in the performing arts. These awards are only available if you take the Trinity College London Qualification at one of these 21 accredited providers.

Help with childcare while you're studying

There are a number of ways to get help with childcare while you study, such as the Care to learn scheme if you're under 20.

By Emma Rubach

Updated:25/11/2010

Jargon Buster

Bursary:: A monetary award to help with an individual's education which doesn't have to be paid back.
Grant:: Any kind of financial aid which doesn't have to be paid back.

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Ask a teacher to direct you to the best place at school or college to talk about funding.
Visit a Connexions advisor, or call 0808 0013 219 for further advice about funding options if you're under 19.
There may be free courses you can do – speak to Learn Direct on 0800 101 901 about ways to study from home, often for free.
Don't forget to budget so you know how much money you have to spend.

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