Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary schemes

Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance and University bursaries are open. They will close on Monday 2 November.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA allows pupils in Sixth Form schools and colleges to apply for £600 to support them with their studies.

Eligibility for EMA

• You need to be between 16 and 19 years old
  • Or under 25 if you have an EHCP
• You must be on a full time study programme
• Your household annual income needs to be below £25,000
• You need to live in Tower Hamlets 
• You need to have lived in Tower Hamlets for at least 3 years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme
• You need at least a 95 per cent attendance record when we contact your school or college
  • If you are below this we will make allowances for authorised absence and your attitude to learning
• You need a copy of your school or college enrolment letter

Apply for EMA

University Bursary

The University Bursary will support students with living costs at university. Students can apply for £1,500  to help with with their undergraduate studies.

Eligibility for University Bursary

• You need to be over 18 years old at the start of the academic year your course started.
• You must be on a full-time study programme
• Your household annual income needs to be below £25,000
• You need to live in Tower Hamlets 
• You need to have lived in Tower Hamlets for at least 3 years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme

To complete this form, you will need:

• Your National Insurance number
  • If you have a parent or carer, you'll need their National Insurance number too
• Proof of your household income, either a P60 or Payslips covering the past five weeks
• If your household receives any benefits, you will need reference numbers

Apply for a University bursary