Money for college: bursaries and EMA

Lesson 14 of 15 in our free Student Finance guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Student Finance is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

A student gets the full £1,200-a-year bursary from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, paid over 10 months. About how much is that a month?

You're not sure if you'd qualify, and asking feels awkward. What's a good first step?

Myth: “This money has to be paid back once you start work.” — Bursaries and EMA are not loans. You don't pay them back.
Fact: “Your household's income can affect whether you qualify.” — That's why the form may ask for a parent or carer's income details.
Fact: “Missing sessions without a good reason can stop a payment.” — Payments are usually linked to attendance and keeping to your agreement.
Myth: “Only students with top grades can get this help.” — It's about money and circumstances, not grades.