The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is now open for eligible students who will be continuing their studies in the next academic year.
This includes those who are continuing into 5th or 6th year at school, home-school or studying non-advanced courses at college, up to and including Advanced Highers.
If you are an eligible student, EMA provides a weekly payment of £30, paid every 2 weeks in arrears.
For the latest available figures of 2020/21, around 15.2% of young Scots aged between 16-18 were in receipt of EMA, with the majority (72%) being school pupils.
For a young person to receive EMA support they must first meet all the eligibility criteria. This includes meeting residency criteria; having a household income under the EMA income threshold; be of an eligible age and be taking part in an eligible course of learning.
Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, said: “Applications for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the next academic year are now open for any eligible student who has reached school leaving age but intends to continue with their studies.
“I would encourage any student who is eligible, to complete the application for the Education Maintenance Allowance as soon as they can as this will ensure that you receive your payment as early as possible after your 16th birthday.
“While the UK Government removed the EMA for English students, the Scottish Government has continued to ensure that this payment is available for eligible students, to help them continue their studies.”
She added: “Many young people face barriers to continuing their education and EMA is just one of the ways that the Scottish Government are supporting young people. Transport, clothes, resources such as books and stationary can really add up so this continued financial support will be welcome I am sure.
“I am proud that the Scottish Government has continued this vital scheme that helps young people study for longer and to achieve their full potential.
Further information on EMA and how to apply can be found at: https://www.mygov.scot/ema.