How and when to apply

Applying early means you have the best chance of having your funding confirmed and in place for the start of your course.

Applications for academic year 2024 to 2025

If you’re new to Education Maintenance Allowance for academic year 2024 to 2025 you’ll need to fill in the application form. There are guidance notes to help you fill in the form.

You can download these here.

If you don’t have access to a printer, you can pick up an application pack from your school or college.

We will accept your application and any evidence until 31 August 2025.

Remember to sign your EMA Agreement at school or college to get your money after we process your application.

For all the information you need on EMA in 2024 to 2025:

Applications for academic year 2023 to 2024

Find out how to apply for Education Maintenance Allowance for 2023 to 2024.

Key dates for the 2024 to 2025 academic year

April 2024

Applications for the new academic year become available. The earlier you make your application, the better. If you do not know if you’ll be continuing at school or going to college, that’s OK. You can still make an application and let us know if anything changes.

30 June 2024

Submit your application and evidence by this date to have your application approved by the start of your course. You can still apply after this date.

13 weeks

To be eligible for backdated payments, you must apply within 13 weeks of the start of your course.

31 August 2025

This is the last date we can accept your application and evidence for you to be eligible for EMA in academic year 2024 to 2025.

Returning students

If this will be your second or third year getting EMA, you can find out further information by visiting our Returning students page.