Funding your training

If you are aged 16-18 and have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education, you may be eligible to receive an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). You can get more information from your school, your Connexions personal adviser or by phoning the helpline free on 0800 121 8989. Or visit the EMA website at ema.direct.gov.uk.

Alternatively, , Adult Learning Grants (ALG) are available to people who are 19 or over, and studying at least 12 hours per week for their first level 2 or level 3 qualification*. You might still be eligible if you are working part-time, or live at home with a parent or guardian. For more information log onto direct.gov.uk/alg or call the helpline free on 0800 121 8989.

Schools and colleges also have Discretionary Support Funds (DSF) to help with the costs associated with attending courses, transport and meals. They set their own criteria and manage their own procedures, which means that the amounts available, and the way funds are allocated, may differ between institutions.

Information on financial help for higher education students can be found on the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/index.htm

There is a bursary for all eligible students studying a GSCC accredited social work degree who are not funded by their employers. For more information, ring our Helpline on 0300 123 1100 or visit www.socialworkcareers.co.uk.

* Examples of level 2 qualifications include GCSEs and BTEC First Diplomas.
Examples of level 3 qualifications include AS and A levels and BTEC National Diplomas.