What is EMA?
"EMA" stands for "Education Maintenance Allowance".
This is basically cash in your hands to help you carry on learning. EMA means fewer money worries with up to £30 a week during term time – leaving you to get on with your studies.
If you’re 16, 17 or 18 and have left, or are about to leave compulsory education, then EMA could be for you.
Could you get the EMA?
To see if you can get the Education Maintenance Allowance or to find out more information visit the great EMA website HERE
Come and see us for some friendly advice
At your Local Connexions Centre you can make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser who can give you advice and guidance on the EMA. You can also contact us online to ask a question and receive a reply. To contact us online CLICK HERE.
Read below what others think about the EMA
Becky Kift, Wyke College
Becky Kift is now in the first year of a Chemistry Degree at Hull University. She is full of praise for the value of EMAs:
“It was a great help for me. It enabled me to get through college for a year and a half without having to get a job. It was only in the last few months that I got a job when I realised that my EMA was coming to an end.
“EMA gives you the incentive to go to lessons. For example, General Studies was timetabled but not part of my requirement for university. In that sense it was not important so I could have skipped some of the classes. In order to receive my EMA, I made sure I attended. Other friends on EMA took a similar view, irrespective of their motivation or subjects they were studying.
“Most of my EMA was spent on buying books and stationery but I did hear of one friend who said she spent some of hers on a driving lesson. I was planning to stay on anyway, but without the EMA life would have been more difficult.
It seems that the threat of payment being withheld is what makes the real difference, and Becky feels the system for making the payment was fair: “It should make you go to your lessons, although exceptions should exist for genuine reasons of non-attendance. I certainly missed it during the holidays!”
Damien Garwell, Wyke College
Damien Garwell is now realising a dream by studying medicine at Hull University. After achieving his required A-level grades from Wyke College, he is now embarking on what he hopes will be a very fulfilling career.
“I was intending to stay on anyway, but the EMA enabled me to concentrate fully on my studies. Without the weekly income from EMA I would have had to take a part-time job.”
A number of Damien’s friends made sure they attended all lessons when perhaps they might not have done: “Although I probably would have attended all lessons anyway, some of my mates turned up at times when perhaps they may have preferred not to.
“You come to rely on the money, so you make certain that you don’t miss out on it.
Damien also says the EMA amount was more than adequate: “My parents have a low income, so it was great not to have to rely on them. Most of the money went on day-to-day living on things like dinner money and revision guides. Very occasionally there might be a bit spare and I could afford to buy a CD.
“I was on the maximum level but even those who did not receive the maximum thought it was well worth having.”
The bonuses were also much appreciated. At £50 per term in this particular pilot, they will be even more generous when the scheme goes national.
Damien concluded: “Money can only encourage you so much, but at the end of the day, EMA is a really good system and it helps a lot of people. Even if students do some part time work, with EMA they still are in a position to concentrate on their studies.
“I’m really pleased to hear that EMA will be available throughout the country soon.”
Who can get EMA? How much is it? How to apply...
To find out more about EMA CLICK HERE...
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Education Maintenance Allowance 
