It is important to note that bursaries, scholarships and awards are just some of the wide range of financial support available. There are also allowances and grants to help with maintenance.
The Educational Maintenance Allowance for 16-18 Year Olds
The Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is for students aged 16, 17 and 18 who have left, or are about to leave compulsory education and who are continuing to learn and/or train. It is worth up to £30 per week and is paid straight into the recipient’s bank account – not to their parents or college.
For more information about EMA visit:
http://ema.direct.gov.uk
The Maintenance Grant and Special Support Grant
The Maintenance Grant and Special Support Grant are there to help with accommodation and other living costs during a period of higher education study. These grants do not have to be repaid. Most eligible students are awarded the Maintenance Grant - the Special Support Grant is for students who already receive Income Support or another means-tested benefit such as Housing Benefit. You cannot receive both. The maximum you can get for either grant is £2,906 in the 2009/2010 academic year. The actual amount received depends on household income and various other factors such as when the course commenced.
For further information about the Maintenance Grant and the Special Support Grant visit:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Applyingforthefirsttime/DG_171557
