Young people in Tower Hamlets can now apply for the council’s Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary schemes for the 2027/28 academic year, helping them meet the costs of staying in education.
Tower Hamlets Council is the only local authority in the country to have restored the EMA, and one of only a handful providing university grants.
The EMA is a £600 payment for eligible sixth form and college students to help with education-related costs such as travel, books, equipment and study materials.
The University Bursary provides a £1,500 payment for eligible undergraduate students to support expenses including accommodation, course resources and living costs.
Since the schemes were reintroduced by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022, more than £5.7 million has been awarded to local students, supporting nearly 6,500 young people to access and succeed in further and higher education.
In the most recent funding round, £2 million was awarded to around 2,000 young people, with 1,250 EMA grants and 800 University Bursaries.
Applications will be open from 21 September until 1 November 2026.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
“We are committed to ensuring that no young person is held back from achieving their potential because of financial hardship.
“Since these schemes were reintroduced, we have invested more than £5.7million in supporting local students, helping nearly 6,500 young people continue their education and pursue their ambitions.
“These grants are a practical investment in our young people and in the future success of our borough, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply.”
Cllr Faysal Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, and Life Chances, said:
“We know that many students and families continue to face financial pressures, which is why this support remains so important.
“Whether it’s helping with travel costs, course materials or accommodation, these grants can make a real difference and allow students to focus on their studies.
“We want every eligible young person to access the support available to them and take advantage of the opportunities it can help create.”
Milana Cerniseva, University Bursary recipient, said:
“The bursary has made a significant difference to my university experience by reducing the financial pressure of everyday living costs and allowing me to focus on my studies. It helped cover essential expenses such as food, travel, course materials, software, a computer, books, clothing, and equipment needed for my Games Art degree.
“Having this support meant I could spend more time developing my creative and technical skills instead of worrying about how I would afford basic necessities. I am incredibly grateful for the support I received. It has allowed me to focus on my studies, build confidence in my abilities, and prepare for a future career in the games industry.”
Ongoing investment in children and young people
The EMA and University Bursary schemes form part of the wider programme of investment in children and young people across Tower Hamlets.
The council has invested £13.7 million in its youth service, Young Tower Hamlets, which provides more than 100 free activities for young people through youth centres and community settings across the borough.
Tower Hamlets was also the first local authority in the country to introduce free school meals for all primary and secondary school pupils, saving families an average of £550 per child each year.
Last year, the council introduced universal school uniform grants for families with children entering primary and secondary school, and this year it has expanded the scheme to include children moving into Years 3 and 10. Families with a household income of up to £60,000 can apply for support.
To apply for an EMA or University Bursary, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ema
Posted on Monday 21st September 2026