Student Funding open for applications

Orkney Islands Council is advising that applications are now open for assistance towards the cost of supporting young people to continue their studies.

There are two types of grants available through the Council:

Education Maintenance Allowance

Are you;

• Born between 01/03/2004 and 30/09/2007?
• In full time education in Orkney (at school or college) or doing an Activity Agreement (Connect Project or OIC)?
• And living in a low income family?

You might be eligible to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if your household income is below £24,421 for one dependent or £26,884 for households with two or more dependents.

EMA is a payment of £30 per week to young people aged 16 to 19 years old from low income families to remain in post-16 learning. The payment is based on attendance and on you fulfilling any learning agreement you may have.

The application deadline for getting applications backdated to the start of term is 30 September 2023.

Further Education Bursary

The Further Education Bursary is also open for applications.

The award is designed to help students who are undertaking a full-time course up to SVQ3/National Certificate level within or outwith Orkney.

There are 4 components of the FE Bursary, this consists of:

• Maintenance Allowance (means tested for all)
• Travel Allowance (means tested for over 18s)
• Materials Allowance (means tested for over 18s)
• Course Fees (not means tested)

Any amount awarded will be dependent upon an individuals’ circumstances and the submission of an application form is not a guarantee of support.

There is a limited budget and awards will be issued on a first come, first served basis and there is no automatic entitlement to bursary funds, even where eligibility is established.

More information on both grants are available here: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/G/grants-emas-and-bursaries.htm by asking at schools where applicable, or by calling Heather Manson on 01856 873535 extension 2416.