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16-19 Bursary Information
Overview
You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you're aged 16 to 19 and:
- studying at a publicly funded school or college in England - not a university
- on a training course, including unpaid work experience
A publicly funded school is one that does not charge you for attending it.
If you're 19 and over
You could also get a bursary if you either:
- are continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a '19+ continuer')
- have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
What a bursary is for
A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:
- clothing, books and other equipment for your course
- transport and lunch on days you study or train
Eligibility
You must:
- be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August
- study at a publicly funded school or college, or be on an unpaid training course
- meet the residency requirements - your school or college can check this
Bursary for students in vulnerable groups
You could get up to £1,200 if at least one of the following applies:
- you're in or recently left local authority care
- you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you're financially supporting yourself
- you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
- you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit.
You may get the full amount if you have expenses and study full-time on a course of at least 30 weeks.
You'll usually get less than the full amount, or no bursary, if one of the following apply:
- your course is shorter than 30 weeks
- you study part time
- you have few expenses
You'll be told what evidence you need, for example benefit letters.
Discretionary bursary
Your school or college will have their own criteria for discretionary bursaries. They'll look at your individual circumstances - this usually includes your family income.
Ask student services about their criteria and any evidence you'll need.
You can apply to a discretionary bursary if you're over 19 and either:
- continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a '19+ continuer')
- have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
How to claim
Apply to your school, college or training provider. Ask student services or your tutor to explain what you need to do.
When to apply
Apply once you know where you'll study or train, so you'll get your bursary as soon as possible.
You might need to re-apply for a bursary for each year of your course. Check with your provider.