Education maintenance allowance (EMA)

The Education Maintenance Allowance provides financial support to help young people from lower-income households stay in education after the age of 16. Eligible students receive £30 per week, paid directly into their bank account every two weeks, provided they meet attendance, progress, and conduct requirements.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be aged 16 to 19 and meet the current EMA age criteria.
• Live in Scotland and meet residency requirements.
• Be studying an eligible school, college or learning programme.
• Live in a household with an income below the EMA thresholds.

Household Income Limits (2026/27)

• Up to £24,421 for households with one dependent child
• Up to £26,884 for households with more than one dependent child

Young people who are formally classed as Looked After do not need to provide household income information.

Eligible Courses

EMA is available for:

• School pupils studying full-time in secondary education.
• College students on eligible non-advanced courses.
• Young people taking part in approved Activity Agreements or learning programmes.

How to apply

Applications can be made online or by completing an application form available from your school, college or learning centre.

You will need to provide:

• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of household income (where required)

Important Deadlines

To receive payments backdated to the start of term, submit your application by:

• 30 September for August starters
• 28 February for January starters

The final closing date for EMA applications is 31 March.

Payments and Learning agreement

If your application is approved, you must sign a Learning Agreement with your school, college, or learning provider before payments begin. 

This sets out the attendance and participation expectations for the year. Payments are made every two weeks and will only be made for weeks where attendance requirements are met.