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Financial help while studying

You can get financial help while studying in two ways: either an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or a Discretionary Award.

Education Maintenance Allowance

EMA is a fortnightly payment of up to £60 for students who are aged 16 to 19 years on or between 2nd July 2009 and 1st July 2010.

It is paid directly to young people from households with an income of £33,061 or less who stay on in education after they reach statutory leaving age (i.e. after the end of their compulsory schooling).

Further Education Awards

Further Education Awards normally fall into two of the following categories

Contact your local Education and Library Board for more information.

Hardship Funds (Discretionary)

The Hardship Fund (Discretionary) is provided to increase access, retention and achievement for those learners experiencing exceptional financial difficulty with meeting costs associated with learning.  As funds available are limited, support may only be provided in accordance with the criteria as outlined within the FE Circular 02/10

  • FE Circular 02/10 - Hardship Fund (Discretionary) 2010/11.