EMA applications open for 2025/26 as students can claim £40 a week

Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) are now open for the next academic year.

Eligible sixth form and college students aged between 16 and 18 can claim £40 a week to cover the costs involved in further education, such as transport or meals.

EMA was ended in England in 2011, and is retained at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Wales, it was increased from £30 to £40 back in 2023.

Currently, more than 16,000 students across Wales are eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), but the threshold to qualify for the payment is set to be expanded from September – benefiting an extra 3,500 pupils, according to Welsh Government figures.

Households with one dependent child are now eligible for the payments 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.

Vikki Howells, the Welsh Government’s 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.”

Ms Howells, a former assistant head of sixth form at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive, continued: “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 students can check their eligibility and apply online, or speak to their school or college for help with applications.