Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary schemes

Two new schemes are available to support young people with the costs of post-16 education.

Applications closed 2 January 2023.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Education Maintenance Allowance will allow pupils in Sixth Form schools and colleges to apply for £400 to support them with their studies.

Eligibility for EMA

• You need to be between 16 and 19 years old on 1 September 2022.
• You must be on a full time study programme at a recognised sixth form provision/college.
• Your attendance on the full time study programme must be over 95%
• Your household annual income (excluding Housing benefit and Council tax reduction) needs to be below £25,000.
• You will need to have been a resident of Tower Hamlets for three years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme.
• You must not receive EFSA or a Discretionary Bursary

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 must not receive the Canary Wharf Education Trust fund.
• You need to be over 18 years old at on 1 September 2022.
• You must be on a full-time study programme.
• Your household annual income (excluding Housing benefit and Council tax reduction) needs to be below £25,000.
• You will need to have been a resident of Tower Hamlets for 3 years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme.