The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a national scheme of funding which was introduced at the start of the 2004/2005 academic year.

It is a weekly payment worth up to £30.00 for eligible students who are aged 16 years and planning to continue in further education from September 2004. The weekly payments are intended to help cover the day-to-day costs that you have to meet when you stay on at school or college, such as travel costs, books and equipment for your course.

There are also bonuses of £100.00 if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning.