Choices

Grant · In person

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Wales 2026/27

Welsh Government (Student Finance Wales) · United Kingdom

A weekly £40 Education Maintenance Allowance for 16 to 18 year olds from lower-income households in Wales who stay on at school or college. Applications for 2026 to 2027 are open and accepted until 31 August 2027.

Grade
Year 12–13
Same as Grades 11–12 in the US
Age
16–18
Age on Aug 31, 2026
Residence
Wales
Entry
Qualification required
Check it against your grade and where you live

EMA is a weekly £40 payment to help 16 to 18 year olds with the costs of further education, paid fortnightly while attendance requirements set by the school or college are met. Courses up to and including Level 3 such as GCSEs, A levels and BTECs qualify.

Topics

HumanitiesGrantSixth formMeans-tested
Read more on studentfinancewales.co.uk
See all