EMA Boost: Coleg y Cymoedd Welcomes Vikki Howells MS

Coleg y Cymoedd were pleased to welcome Vikki Howells MS to its Nantgarw campus last week.

The Minister met with learners who receive Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and discussed its impact on their lives, allowing them to pursue Further Education.

A representative from Student Finance Wales was also on present to address learners’ queries and discuss ways to improve communication around EMA.

On Monday, 27th January, the Welsh Government announced an increase in household income thresholds, enabling more families to qualify for EMA.

In their press statement, the Welsh Government said: “Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly grant of £40, designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds from eligible households with further education costs, such as transport or meals.

“Currently over 16,000 students receive EMA but starting from the new academic year in September an estimated 3,500 more learners will benefit from the uplift.

“The threshold for households with one dependent child is currently £20,817 and this will increase to £23,400, meaning families with a household income of £23,400 or less will be eligible to receive EMA.

“The threshold for households with two or more dependents is currently £23,077 and this will increase to £25,974, meaning families with a household income of £25,974 or less will be eligible to receive EMA.”

Minister Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “Wales already delivers the most generous Education Maintenance Allowance in the UK, helping post-16 learners to continue studying academic or vocational courses, and this change means we will now be supporting thousands more learners.

“We are very proud of our record in maintaining and increasing the Education Maintenance Allowance.  We are clear that our Draft Budget is a budget for a brighter future and the uplift to EMA eligibility is one of the ways we are delivering this. The announcement means thousands more learners will now benefit from further financial support to continue or start their further education journey.”

 
Coleg y Cymoedd Principal, Jonathan Morgan, commented: “I am thrilled with the decision by the Welsh Government to increase the household income threshold for the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
 
“The EMA significantly enhances social mobility by offering financial assistance to students who might otherwise find it difficult to cover the expenses of post-16 education.
 
“By raising the household income threshold, access to education will be widened, allowing more students from slightly higher-income families to qualify for the allowance, fostering greater equality in educational opportunities.

“This ultimately results in higher educational achievement and improved job prospects. This is essential as many families in our communities continue to face financial challenges.”

For further information regarding financial grants and opportunities available to learners, please visit: Financial Support

For further information on EMA, visit: Education Maintenance Allowance | GOV.WALES

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