Under 19 Full-time
If you are a full-time student under 19 years of age on 1st September and your family (or you) are claiming state benefits or are on low income you may be able to get this financial help:
1. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to £30 per week.
2. A travel pass to be used during college hours.
3. Meal vouchers to use in the College canteen.
4. Assistance towards specialist course equipment from The Student Support Fund.
1. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
You may be eligible for an EMA of £10, £20, or £30 a week depending on your household income:
| Annual Household Income | Weekly EMA Allowance | Fortnightly EMA Payment |
| Up to £21,885 | £30 | £60 |
| £21,886 - £26,840 | £20 | £40 |
| £26,841 - £32,400 | £10 | £20 |
| £32,400 and above | £0 | £0 |
In addition, if you remain on your course, attend for a minimum of 80% and make good progress with your learning you may also be entitled to two bonus payments of up to £100.
EMA’s - Don’t wait! If you intend claiming this grant you should get an application form at school or from Student Services reception at Trowbridge or City Road and apply before you start College. For more information visit Student Finance Wales at www.studentfinancewales.co.uk or call on 0845 602 8845.
2. Travel assistance (term-time only)
Any full-time student who is under 19 and who lives 3 miles or more from their campus of study is entitled to a free travel pass. This applies irrespective of the County in which they reside. The student must be under 19 years of age on 31st August this year.
- Students may only apply for a bus or a rail pass, unless they live in the Vale of Glamorgan.
- The travel passes available apply only to those service routes covered by Cardiff Bus and Valley Lines rail.
- Travel passes are renewable at the start of each new term.
- There is a £5 administration charge each term to renew the Cardiff Bus pass.
3. Under 19 meal allowance
A college canteen meal allowance is available to full time students who are:
- Under 19 years of age on 1st September
- In receipt of Income Support or whose parents/guardians are in receipt of Income Support or Income based Job Seekers Allowance.
4. Specialist course equipment
Students can apply to the Student Support Fund for assistance towards specialist equipment for certain courses.
