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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.