16-19 Bursary Fund
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
What you'll get
There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursary:
- a bursary for students in vulnerable groups
- a discretionary bursary
Bursary for students in vulnerable groups
You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits.
Discretionary bursary
You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but do not qualify for a bursary for students in vulnerable groups. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it's used for.
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)
If you're over 19, you'll only be eligible for a discretionary bursary.
Your provider will decide how you get your bursary. You might get:
- an instalment paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer
- things like a travel pass, free meals or books
Your provider could stop payments if you break their rules, for example about attendance or how your bursary is used.
Website: Apprenticeship Care Leaver Bursary
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