Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
If you are under 18 years old at the official start date of your course, you will be assessed for an EMA.
An EMA is not a loan.
EMA is only available once you have reached your statutory school leaving date. Students who are 16 between 1 October 2023 and 29 February 2024 will not be eligible until January 2024 provided you are still attending your course in January 2024.
The EMA is based on your household income. In addition to EMA, all students under 18 years may receive help with essential course materials as these are not means-tested against household income, but you must submit your application and must also meet the residency criteria. For help with travel you must apply for the free bus pass from the Scottish government. If household income is above the scales below please remember to apply for your course materials.
EMA is not paid during the holiday periods.
If you turn 18 years old during your course you will remain on EMA.
Scales for EMA
| Household Income | No of dependent children in household | Award |
| £0 - £24,421 | 1 | £30 |
| £0 - £26,884 | 2+ | £30 |
| £24,442 or above | 1 | NIL |
| £26,885 or above | 2+ | NIL |
How to apply for EMA and Course Materials
Once you have accepted your conditional or unconditional place, you will receive an email advising you to apply for funding once the funding application is open. You will be able to apply online via a PC, smartphone or tablet.