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Approved applications for Education Maintenance Allowance by academic year

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Next update expected:January 2027

Updates

29th January 2026
Dataset first published.

Main information

Designation
Accredited official statistics
Data provider
Student Loans Company
Data source
Administrative data
Time period covered
September 2011 to August 2025

Overview

Summary of dataset and variables

This table presents information on the number of approved applications for Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) from students living in Wales.

The EMA Wales scheme is available to 16 - 18 year olds (and 19 - 20 year olds in certain circumstances). The scheme is designed as an incentive for students from lower-income families to remain in full-time education after the age at which compulsory schooling ends. The EMA is a weekly allowance, paid fortnightly to students.

EMAs were introduced for 16 year olds in the 2004/05 academic year with the scheme extended to 17 year olds in 2005/06 and 18 year olds in 2006/07 (19 and 20 year olds are also eligible in certain circumstances and therefore would be included in figures from 2007/08 onwards).

EMA award amounts were initially £10, £20 or £30 per week (depending on household income). From 2011/12 EMA awards became £30 per week and from 17 April 2023 EMA increased to £40 per week.

Other learning centres consist of special schools, grammar schools and independent schools.

Data collection or calculation

Data seen here are taken from the SLC's official data warehouse as at the end of each academic year (31st August).

Statistical quality

StatsWales figures are updated annually and are correct at time of publication. They are subject to revisions following further SLC processing.

Rounding applied

Figures are rounded to the nearest 5. Due to rounding the sums of some rows or columns may not add to the total figure given.

Related reports

Published by

Organisation
Welsh Government
Contact email
highereducationandstudentfinance.stats@gov.wales