Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
If you are aged 16 - 19 you could get up to £30 a week paid directly into your bank account if you stay on in education at college after your GCSEs, which could help you to cover the costs of your books, equipment, or travel.
- Depending on your household income you could get £10, £20, or £30 a week
- Any other benefits your family might get will not be affected
- Available for any academic or vocational course which involves at least 12 hours of guided learning per week
- You must turn up to classes and have 100% attendance
Most young people will be able to get EMA for two to three years depending on how long they need to finish their studies. You could also get a bonus of £100 in January and July, Bonuses depend on the progress you make with your course.
To find out more and apply for an EMA visit www.ema.dfes.gov.uk
Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
Adult Learning Grants are available to adults in full time study with an income of less than £30,810 (household income)
- Up to £30 per week to help with the costs associated with learning
- Available to those over the age of 19 who are studying their first full Level 2 or full Level 3 qualification
- You CANNOT be on any means tested benefit (eg Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, or Incapacity Benefit)
- You must have 100% attendance for all your classes
To find out more and apply for an ALG please follow this link
You can also contact us for more information. You can call us on 020 8208 5127, email us, or drop in to any of our Course Information Centres, located at each of our college centres to see an adviser.
All our Course Information Centres are accessible to people with mobility difficulties.
