You are here: 
Money for Learning
 |
Education Maintenance Allowance
If you’re aged 16-19 and stay on at school, go to college, do a Programme Led Apprenticeship (PLA) or Entry to Employment (E2E), you may be entitled to an EMA.
- This is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 paid straight into your account.
- You have to attend regularly to continue receiving the money.
- You could get bonus payments if you do well on your course. If you’re on an FE course your bonus will be paid in January and July. If you’re on an E2E programme or doing a PLA your provider will tell you what you need to do to qualify for bonus payments and when you’ll receive them. You could build up bonuses at a rate of £5.00 a week.
- If your application for EMA is successful you are guaranteed to get this amount for up to three years. If your household income drops you can ask to have your EMA reassessed for the beginning of the next EMA year. If the household income increases you will not be reassessed.
- If you’re on an E2E programme you will automatically qualify for the maximum £30 weekly payment.
Ask your Personal Adviser or school for an application form.
Check out DirectGov and Connexions Direct
Student loans and more
Other financial support
For information on other financial support that may be available contact:
- For students living in the county (not the city) -
(choose learning and work – student finance)
- For students living in the city of Nottingham - contact your school for more information on the learning support fund.
College access funds
Some colleges have access funds to help students with financial problems. You will need to speak to your Personal Adviser or the college or school to find out more.
Help with transport costs
Some schools and colleges help out with transport costs. Ask the school or college for details or use these websites for more information:
Young parents
Care to Learn can help you with extra childcare and travel costs. You must be under 19, in education or training and have a child. Fathers aged 19 and under can also apply. To find out more talk to your Personal Adviser or phone the helpline – 0845 600 2809.
Disability and extra support
If you have a disability you may be entitled to extra financial support. Your Personal Adviser will be able to tell you what extra funding you may get. For Disabled Student Allowances contact Skill on Freephone 0800 328 5050. You can also phone the Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) on 01302 310123. They can give you contact details for local organisations that could help you.
Useful weblinks:
The best online sites for student loans, finance, grants and local and national help
EMAs, Care To Learn, Dance and drama awards, transport help and more...
