EMAs and Bursaries
Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs)
Education Maintenance Allowances were introduced to encourage students aged 16-19 to continue their studies at school or a further education college.
For academic year 2011-12, EMAs will offer payments of £30 per week to students depending on their circumstances. Bonus payments will no longer be part of the EMA programme.
Who will be entitled to an EMA?
Students will be entitled to an EMA if:
- They were born between 1 March 1992 and 29 February 1996
- They are on courses up to SVQ3 or NC level at school or at a Further Education college or attend the Connect Project, And
- Household income must fall within the following thresholds:
Income | No. Dependent children in household | Award |
£0 - £20,351 | 1 | £30 |
£0 - £22,403 | 2+ | £30 |
To qualify, students must attend all their course sessions and sign an EMA Learning Agreement with their school or college. This agreement will set out what is expected in terms of:
- Attendance
- Coursework
- Progress
How do I apply?
Forms are available from Customer Services at The One Stop Shop, School Place, Kirkwall or the Related Downloads section of this page.
Further Education Bursary
Financial assistance is available for students residing in Orkney to assist with the costs of attending approved courses. Full time, part time, distance learning and block release courses which meet the bursary guidelines are all considered for assistance. Bursary awards are means tested and dependent on the applicant’s specific circumstances, educational history and whether assistance has been given previously.
The FE bursary consists of 4 components:
- Maintenance allowance - means tested for all
- Travel allowance - means tested for over 18's
- Material allowance - means tested for over 18's
- Course Fees - not means tested and for those attending Orkney College only.
Forms are available from Customer Services at The One Stop Shop, School Place, Kirkwall or the Related Downloads section of this page.
Contact
Orkney Islands Council
School Place
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1NY
Tel: 01856 873535
Student Loans and Fees - Courses at HNC Level or Above
For students undertaking a course at HNC level or above, further information on loans and fees is available on the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) website.