There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursary.
Vulnerable student bursary
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 don’t qualify for a vulnerable student bursary. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for.
How your bursary is paid
Your provider will decide how you get your bursary. You might be:
- paid in full or in instalments
- paid in cash, by cheque or through a bank account
- given things like a travel pass, free meals or books instead of money
Some providers also offer one-off payments to cover study trips or travel for university interviews.
Your provider could stop payments if you break their rules, for example about attendance or how your bursary is used.
Eligibility
You must:
- be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2016
- study at a publicly funded school or college, or be on an unpaid training course
- meet the residency requirements - your school or college can check this
Vulnerable student bursary
You could get up to £1,200 if at least one of the following applies:
- you’re in or recently left local authority care
- you’re disabled and you get Income Support in your name
- you’re disabled and you get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name
- you’re disabled and you get Universal Credit in your name in place of Income Support or ESA
You may get the full amount if you have expenses and study full-time on a course of at least 30 weeks.
You’ll usually get less than the full amount, or no bursary, if one of the following apply:
- your course is shorter than 30 weeks
- you study part time
- you have few expenses
You’ll be told what evidence you need, for example benefit letters.
Discretionary bursary
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 your school about their criteria and any evidence you’ll need.
How to claim
Apply to your school, college or training provider.
When to apply
Apply once you know where you’ll study or train, so you’ll get your bursary as soon as possible.
You might need to reapply for a bursary for each year of your course. Check with your provider.