Young people in Tower Hamlets can now apply for this year’s Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary schemes, to support them with the costs of staying in education.
The schemes, which were reintroduced by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022, have already provided almost £4million in grants to students.
In the last funding round alone, the council awarded £2million to more than 2,000 young people, helping them access and succeed at sixth form, college and university.
Last year, 1,250 EMA grants and 800 University Bursary grants were provided, double the number of bursaries compared to the previous year (2023/24 - 752 EMA bursaries and 400 Uni Bursaries).
Now, students can apply for support for the 2026/27 academic year. The deadline to apply is 11:5pm on Thursday 23 October 2025.
EMA is a £600 payment for eligible sixth form and college students to help with education costs.
The University Bursary is a £1,500 payment for eligible undergraduate students to help with expenses such as books, resources, and accommodation.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“Education should never be out of reach because of financial barriers. I’m proud that we are opening applications for another year of support, building on the success of this year, with more students than ever before receiving help with their education.
“These grants are an investment not just in individual futures, but in the future of our whole community.”
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, said:
“Doubling the number of bursaries shows our determination to back our young people with practical support.
“We want as many eligible young people as possible to benefit from the support we provide in Tower Hamlets.
“Whether it’s EMA or University Bursary, this funding eases the pressure on families and helps students focus on achieving their goals.”
Ongoing investment in children and young people
The grants are part of a wider package of support for children and young people in Tower Hamlets.
The council has invested £13.7million in its youth service, Young Tower Hamlets, which provides over 100 free activities across youth centres and community settings.
It was also the first local authority in the country to introduce universal free school meals for all primary and secondary school pupils, saving families and average of £550 per child, per year.
Since the scheme began in September 2023, around £2million extra free meals have been provided to secondary pupils.
This year, the council has also introduced School Clothing Grants, where families with a household income of up to £50,350 can claim £50 per child entering primary school at reception year, and £150 per child entering secondary school at year 7.
To find out more information about the EMA and University Bursary schemes, and to apply, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ema
Posted on Monday 6th October 2025