Those most in need will be eligible for a bursary of £1200 a year. This includes young people in care, care leavers, young people receiving income support and disabled young people receiving both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.

Young people eligible for income support will include some teenage parents, young people estranged from their families, and those whose parents have died. 

Other students facing financial difficulties may also be able to claim a bursary to help with costs oftransport, food, equipment or other course-related costs.

How do I find out more?

For advice speak to student support services or your tutor, or go to www.direct.gov.uk/16-19bursary

What if I get EMA at the moment?

If you first applied successfully for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in 2009/10, you’ll continue to receive the same level of weekly payments while you study in 2011/12.

If you first applied successfully for the maximum EMA payment of £30 a week in 2010/11, you’ll receive £20 a week while you study in 2011/12.

If you’re in care, a care leaver, on income support, or receiving both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, your weekly EMA payments will be replaced with a bursary of £1200 a year from September 2011. You need to identify yourself to the college and we can then pay the bursary directly.