Wales becomes first UK nation to increase grants given to low income students

Hundreds of learners in Wrexham who qualify for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) are set to receive an increase in funding to help with the cost of living.

Wales has become the first and only UK nation to increase the EMA payment since its establishment and the Welsh Government announcement has been welcomed by Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths.

From April 2023, eligible college and sixth form students will receive £40 a week instead of £30.

Latest figures show there are 620 learners who will benefit in the Wrexham County Borough area.

EMA is a weekly grant designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds from low-income households with further education costs, such as transport or meals.

Students in further education are eligible for EMA if their household income is £20,817 or less, if they are the only young person in the household, or £23,077 if there is more than one young person in the household. An FE Calculator is available to check students eligibility.

Around 16,000 further education students in Wales currently receive the payment, which is paid every two weeks.

Welcoming the Welsh Labour Government announcement, Lesley Griffiths MS said: “It is so important the cost of learning is never a barrier for young people who wish to continue in education after they turn 16.

“Increasing the EMA to £40 from £30 will help ensure hundreds of young people in Wrexham have the best chance of achieving better qualifications and having a successful future.”

Students can speak to their school, Visit Student Finance Wales or their FE college’s website for further advice and help on what financial support is available.