Money Matters
Money Matters
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
What is EMA?
Education Maintenance Allowance or EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to young people who stay on in further education after the statutory learning age. You may also receive bonuses of £150 by remaining on your course and making good progress with your learning goals. The bonuses are payable in January and July in your first year of study and then again in September, January and July in your second year of study (£750 in bonuses in total).
Who is entitled to EMA?
Entitlement to EMA depends on annual household income (parental/guardian income only). Students can have a part time job earning their own money and still receive EMA. The grid below shows the annual household income thresholds and the weekly EMA amount payable.
|
Household Income (per year, before tax) |
EMA Award (per week) |
Bonus Payments |
|
Up to £21,302 |
£30 |
£150 |
|
£21,303 to £26,116 |
£20 |
£150 |
|
£26,117 to £31,528 |
£10 |
£150 |
|
Over £31,528 |
£0 |
£0 |
Students must be 16 years old between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008 and enrolled on a valid programme of study and be doing at least 12 hours guided learning a week. Providing a student is in full time further education they can earn EMA until the age of 19.
Further information can be found at the EMA website www.ema.dfes.gov.uk or telephone the national helpline on 0808 10 16 219.
Free Tuition Fees
Students under the age of 19 are not required to pay any registration or tuition fees.
Examination Fees
Students will not be required to pay for their first examination in any course unit. However, there will be a charge for any modules where a re-sit is required.
