The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund

England has no Education Maintenance Allowance. This bursary is what replaced it, and you apply to your school or college, not to the government.

What it pays for

A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:

• clothing, books and other equipment for your course
• transport and lunch on days you study or train

Up to £1,200 for students in vulnerable groups

You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits.

You may be able to get a bursary if at least one of the following applies:

• you’re in or you recently left local authority care
• you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
• you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
• you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

The discretionary bursary

You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but do not qualify for a bursary for students in vulnerable groups. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for.

Your school or college will have their own criteria for discretionary bursaries. They’ll look at your individual circumstances - this usually includes your family income.

Who can apply

You must be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2026, study at a publicly funded school or college or be on an unpaid training course, and meet the residency rules.

If you’re over 19, you’ll only be eligible for a discretionary bursary, and only if you are continuing a course you started at 16 to 18 or have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

How to apply

Apply to your school, college or training provider. Ask student services or your tutor to explain what you need to do.

Common questions

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