Financial help for young people in education or training

If you continue learning after 16 – either in full-time education or through work-based learning - you can get financial help with the cost of your studies.

Financial help with learning

Whether you decide to stay on in full-time education or learn through work, there is financial help available. The type of help you can receive - and how much money you’re entitled to - will depend on your personal circumstances.

Financial help if you are learning through work

If you’re learning through work, you may be entitled to some of the help described on this page. On top of this, there are specific types of financial help available to young people who are learning and working at the same time.

To find out more, see ‘Skills for work if you’re under 19’.

Skills for work if you're under 19 (education, learning and skills section)

Education Maintenance Allowance

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can give you up to £30 a week to stay in learning after you leave school. Depending on your progress and attendance, you can also earn bonuses. The amount that you get will depend on your household income.

You can apply for EMA if you are:

in full-time education at school or college, for example studying AS or A levels
taking part in further education

EMA is paid on top of any other financial help the government gives you, so it won’t affect any household benefits that you or your family may be claiming (such as Income Support, Child Benefit or Working Tax Credit).

EMA (education, learning and skills section)

Help with childcare costs

If you’re a parent aged 16, 17 or 18 and studying at a further education college, the Care to Learn scheme could help towards your childcare costs. You can apply for assistance in advance if you expect to become a parent during your course.

Care to Learn (education, learning and skills section)

Help with transport costs

Do you use public transport to get to and from your school sixth form, college or a further education institution? If you do, you may be able to get help with your travel costs from your local education and library board.

If you're on a course that leads to an apprenticeship, you should speak to your learning provider to find out whether they can offer you any help with your transport costs.

Find your local Education and Library Board

Further Education Support Funds

You may be able to get help from Further Education (FE) Support Funds with buying books, equipment or other learning-related costs if you’re studying at a college or school sixth form.

You can get FE Support Funds at the same time as receiving an EMA.