The 16-19 Bursary Fund helps students aged 16-19 who face financial barriers to continuing education. There are two types: a guaranteed £1,200/year for vulnerable groups, and discretionary bursaries (
16-19 Bursary Fund 2025/26
Vulnerable Group Bursary (Guaranteed £1,200/year)
You automatically receive £1,200/year (paid in instalments) if you are:
In care or a care leaver
Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit (in your own right, not your parents')
Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in your own right, AND a parent/carer also receives a qualifying means-tested benefit
Discretionary Bursary (Institution-Decided)
Institutions (sixth forms, colleges, training providers) receive funding to distribute at their discretion to students who:
Face financial hardship that would otherwise prevent participation
Typically from households with income under £26,000 per year (varies by institution)
Typical uses: travel costs, course materials, equipment, meals, accommodation. Can be worth £100-£3,000+ per year depending on need and institution.
Free Meals in Further Education (FE)
Students who receive certain benefits (including free school meals at 16, or UC with no income) may qualify for free meals funded through the bursary or a separate FE free meals programme.
EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance)
EMA (£30/week) is still available in Wales and Northern Ireland. It was abolished in England and Scotland but replaced by the 16-19 Bursary. If you're in England, you need the bursary instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the vulnerable group bursary?
Students aged 16-19 who are: (1) in care or a care leaver, (2) receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name (not through parents), or (3) receiving DLA/PIP in their own name AND whose parent/guardian receives a qualifying means-tested benefit. The bursary is £1,200/year paid in instalments, usually linked to attendance.
How do I apply for the 16-19 bursary?
Apply through your school, sixth form, or college. Each institution manages their own bursary fund. Contact the student finance or welfare office. Bring evidence of your circumstances (benefit letters, bank statements, household income evidence). Apply early — funds can run out.
What is the household income threshold for discretionary bursary?
Each institution sets its own threshold. Common threshold: household income under £25,000-£26,000/year. Some institutions prioritise free school meals (FSM) recipients, care leavers, and those with the lowest incomes. There is no national income threshold for discretionary bursaries.
Can I receive the bursary and Universal Credit?
If you receive UC in your own name (not your parents'), you qualify for the vulnerable group bursary (£1,200). You can usually also claim UC housing costs and standard allowance. The bursary income may affect your UC calculation — check with your institution's welfare advisor.
What can the bursary money be spent on?
Vulnerable group bursary: can be used for anything (travel, materials, food, clothing). Discretionary bursary: your institution may restrict it to specific costs like travel passes, course materials, uniforms, or meal cards. Ask your college's bursary team for their specific rules.
Is the 16-19 bursary taxable?
No. The 16-19 Bursary Fund is exempt from income tax. It does not count as earnings for NMW purposes (as bursary recipients are students, not employees). It may affect means-tested benefits — always check with a welfare advisor.
Does the bursary affect my parents' benefits?
Generally no — the bursary is paid to the student, not the parents. However, if you live at home, parents' means-tested benefit calculations usually treat you as a dependent if in full-time education. The bursary you receive typically doesn't count as household income for parents' benefit assessments.
What is the 16-19 bursary in Wales and Scotland?
Wales has the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA): £30/week for students whose household income is under £20,817. Scotland also has EMA. Northern Ireland: EMA at rates up to £30/week. England replaced EMA with the 16-19 Bursary Fund in 2011.