Applications for the 2023/24 funding for the Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursary schemes in Tower Hamlets opened yesterday (Monday 9 October 2023).
The two schemes were introduced by Tower Hamlets Council last year during the national cost of living crisis to support students into further education.
The Education Maintenance Allowance is a £400 payment to eligible students to support them with their studies for the 2023/24 academic year.
The University Bursary Award supports students with living costs at university.
Eligible students can apply for a £1,500 payment to support with costs associated with their undergraduate studies, including accommodation, books and resources.
Both schemes are part of the council’s £1.1m investment in supporting young people and will benefit up to 1,650 students.
Last year, hundreds of students benefitted from the schemes to give them a helping hand with their education costs.
Applications close on 8 November 2023 and should be submitted on the council website.
University Bursary recipient Fatema, who is studying for a degree in Health and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University, said:
“After Covid, the price of everything went up and the bursary I received was important for me.
“Going to university has helped my future prospects. I have got one module left on my course, but I already have a job lined up.”
University Bursary recipient Nazifa Islam, a first-year medicine student at Oxford who is aiming to become a doctor, said:
“I looked into doing internships, but they weren’t well paid, and you have to pay for travel, accommodation and food.
“I would not have been able to do internships without the university bursary. I also wouldn’t have been able to afford some of the textbooks that I need for my course.”
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“It is vital that we protect students from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and ensure that these economic pressures do not disrupt their learning.
“We want to ensure that our students can reach their full potential and we are here to support them however we can.
“It is wonderful to hear about the positive impact the schemes have had since it was introduced last year and I am delighted to be able to support more students this year.”
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, said:
“Everyone should have an equal chance for an excellent education, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
“This is why the Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursary schemes are so important, as they help close the gap and create a more level playing field for those from low-income households.”
Posted on Tuesday 10th October 2023