Cymru Student Support

Get financial support for school or college

Going to school or college helps you get qualifications, discover new interests, make friends and prepare for your career, and the best part? Financial support is available to make your educational journey smoother!

Education Maintenance Allowance

If you’re 16 to 18, living in Wales and studying at school or college, you may be eligible for financial support through the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). 

Eligible students can get £40 per week, paid directly to you every two weeks, and can be used for anything that helps you continue your education.

What is EMA?

EMA can help with everyday education costs such as travel, food, study essentials or other expenses. Getting EMA will not affect any benefit payments in your household including Child Benefit, Tax Credits, Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.

Who can get EMA?

You could be eligible if:

  • You’re aged 16-18 
  • You live in Wales
  • You’re studying an eligible school or college course
  • You meet attendance requirements
  • Your household income meets the criteria

You don’t need your GCSE results to apply, and you can start your application even before choosing where you want to study.

Check your eligibility

Visit the Student Finance Wales website to find out more, check if you’re eligible and start your EMA Wales application.

Other support for students

Welsh Government Learning Grant

If you're 19 or over and studying at college, you might be eligible for this grant. 

You could get up to £1,919 to help with college costs. 

Check if you can get the Welsh Government Learning Grant on the Student Finance Wales website.

Financial Contingency Fund

This fund gives money to students who need extra help. You don't need to pay it back.

You can still apply even if you already receive EMA or the Welsh Government Learning Grant.

To find out more, talk to your tutor or college office.

Cheaper travel for 16 to 21 year olds

If you're 16 to 21 years old, you can get a free mytravelpass.

With mytravelpass, you pay about 30% less for bus fares. This saves you money to spend on other things.

Welsh Government are currently piloting even cheaper fares:

  • £1 single tickets
  • £3 unlimited day travel

Just show your mytravelpass to the bus driver to get the discount.

Find out more and apply at mytravelpass.tfw.wales.

Going to university?

If you are going to university, there is a financial support available to help with your fees and living costs.