The Welsh government has announced significant changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), providing a much-needed boost to struggling students. Starting September 2025, the income threshold for EMA eligibility will increase, allowing an additional 3,500 students to benefit from this financial aid. This change aims to support 16 to 18-year-olds who choose to continue their education beyond compulsory school-leaving age.
In 2015-16, 41% of the student population aged 16 to 18 received the EMA. However, by 2022-23, this number had dwindled to just 15%. The EMA offers a fortnightly payment of £80 to students in sixth forms or further education colleges pursuing academic or vocational courses, such as GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC, and basic skills courses. The allowance is means tested, with eligibility determined by household income.
The household income threshold for EMA has remained unchanged since 2010, but the Welsh government has decided to implement an increase. Starting in September 2025, students will qualify for EMA if they live in a household with an annual income of £23,400 or less for one dependant, or up to £25,974 if there are multiple dependants. The previous thresholds were £20,817 for one dependant and £23,077 for multiple dependants.
Vikki Howells, the minister for further and higher education, described the EMA as a "really generous package" that plays a crucial role in enabling students to access education. Jonathan Morgan, principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, commended the decision to increase the threshold, stating it is "absolutely the right thing to do." He emphasized that many learners come from lower economic backgrounds and rely on such support.
"We've got a large proportion of learners who come from lower economic backgrounds," said Jonathan Morgan.
Students themselves have expressed gratitude for the EMA's positive impact on their educational journey. Nia, a student at Coleg y Cymoedd, shared her experience of how the allowance reduces financial stress and motivates her to attend college.
"It does motivate me to come to college because without it, it would be a struggle," Nia explained. "It does allow me to come to college with essentials that I need such as writing pens, notebooks… and revision resources."
Nia further elaborated on how the EMA helps her manage her daily needs and contribute to her household.
"It does encourage me to keep coming to college so I can help out with the household and buy stuff that's needed, such as bread," she added.
Roxy, another student benefiting from the EMA, highlighted how it provides her with independence and control over her expenses.
"I spend it on food for college and studying materials," Roxy said. "I think it gives you more independence and a chance to sort yourself out and dictate what you want and what you're going to get for yourself."
The increased threshold aims not only to ease financial burdens but also to provide students with the means to travel to their educational institutions. Vikki Howells emphasized the importance of infrastructure and public transport availability in supporting learners' journeys.
"To help learners to travel to their schools and colleges, to be able to afford to do that and have the infrastructure and that means that public transport is available as well," remarked Vikki Howells.
