Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for
2025-26 are now open.
EMA in Wales provides eligible learners aged 16 to 18 with £40
per week to help with education related costs such as transport,
meals, and learning materials. EMA is retained at a lower rate of
£30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and was ended in England in
2011.
More learners can now benefit from the scheme as income
thresholds have been raised:
- Households with one dependent child are now eligible if their
income is £23,400 or less.
- Households with two or more dependent children are now
eligible if their income is £25,974 or less.
Raonaq, a learner at Fitzalan High School said: “EMA has helped
me to focus a lot more on school as without it I would have
gotten a part-time job. This would've made it harder for me to
study and revise for exams. It has helped me with the cost of
stationery, transport to and from school as well as entering
writing competitions. I don't think I would have been able to
cover these costs without EMA.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, said: "EMA is a vital
support system that helps young people continue their education
without financial barriers. Learners have told me of the positive
impact EMA has made to their educational journey by helping them
with everyday costs.
“I was delighted to announce the extension of the eligibility
range earlier this year ensuring more students have access to
this support. I strongly encourage all 16 to 18-year-olds and
their families to check if they're eligible, even if they weren't
previously.”
New and continuing learners can check their eligibility and apply
online here or speak to their
school or college for help with applications.
