EMA threshold increases will support more students in Wales. The change means over 3,500 additional learners can access financial aid weekly.
The Minister announced good news for families: the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) threshold is rising. EMA provides £40 weekly to help 16 to 18-year-olds with college costs, including transport or meals.
More than 16,000 students currently receive EMA. About 3,500 more will get it starting in the new school year this September.
For one child, the limit increases to £23,400 from a previous £20,817. If your income is below that, you can get EMA. For two or more kids, it rises to £25,974 from a previous £23,077.
Mark-Ryan Hughes, Cambria’s Student Voice Coordinator, attended the announcement. He said they were proud to be there, as it helps many more students.
Vikki Howells spoke about EMA, noting that Wales gives the most EMA money in the UK. This helps students keep studying after age sixteen, and the change supports even more students.
Deio Owen, the President of NUS Cymru, said they campaigned for this. He is glad the government listened, as it enables more young people to continue learning.
Coleg Cambria students met with the Minister and with First Minister Eluned Morgan too. They discussed EMA changes, transport, and students in northeast Wales.
