The 16-19 Bursary Fund is government money given to schools, colleges, and training providers to help young people aged 16 to 19 who could not otherwise afford to continue in education or training after GCSEs. There are two types: a guaranteed bursary for the most vulnerable, and a discretionary bursary for those in financial hardship.
What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund and why does it exist?
When young people in England leave Year 11, they are legally required to remain in education or training until their 18th birthday — a rule known as the Raising the Participation Age. However, the costs of staying in education — travel, equipment, meals, uniforms — can be a genuine barrier for families with low incomes.
The 16-19 Bursary Fund, administered by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), was introduced to remove those barriers. Schools, sixth form colleges, further education colleges, and training providers receive a bursary allocation each year and distribute it to eligible students.
The bursary cannot be used for tuition fees (post-16 education in England is free until 19), but it can cover the costs that sit around it: transport, food, books, equipment, and clothing required for the course.
Who qualifies for a guaranteed bursary?
The guaranteed bursary is worth £1,200 per year and is available to young people in one of the following categories:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| In care | Currently living in local authority care |
| Care leaver | A young person who has left local authority care |
| Income Support recipient | Receiving Income Support in their own right |
| Universal Credit recipient | Receiving Universal Credit (and not in employment) in their own right |
| Disability benefit recipient | Receiving both Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PiP) AND Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit |
"In their own right" means the benefit is awarded to the young person personally — not to a parent or guardian. A student from a family on Universal Credit does not automatically qualify for the guaranteed bursary; the student must hold the benefit themselves.
The guaranteed bursary is paid to the institution, which then pays it to the student, typically in instalments over the academic year. Students must meet the institution's attendance and participation requirements to continue receiving it.
Who qualifies for a discretionary bursary?
Beyond the guaranteed categories, schools and colleges receive a separate pot of discretionary bursary money. Each institution decides its own criteria for who receives discretionary payments, how much they receive, and what it can be spent on.
Discretionary bursaries are typically awarded to students who:
- Come from low-income households (many providers use free school meal eligibility or household income thresholds as a guide)
- Face specific financial barriers such as long travel distances, the need for specialist equipment for their course, or childcare costs
- Are at risk of dropping out for financial reasons
Discretionary awards vary widely — from a bus pass worth a few hundred pounds to payments of several hundred pounds per term. There is no national entitlement; the amount depends entirely on the institution and its allocation for that year.
How does a student apply for the 16-19 Bursary Fund?
The application is made directly to the school, sixth form college, or training provider — not to the government. Most institutions include a bursary application form in their induction paperwork or on their website.
To apply, students will generally need to provide:
- Proof of identity and age
- Evidence of their qualifying status (benefit letters, care leaver documentation, or household income evidence for discretionary applications)
- Bank account details for payment
Applications can usually be made at the start of the academic year, and many institutions have a deadline in September or October. Late applications may still be considered, particularly for discretionary awards, but it is worth applying promptly.
How much can a student receive in total?
| Type | Annual amount | Paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed bursary | £1,200 | ESFA via institution |
| Discretionary bursary | Varies — institution-specific | Institution (from ESFA allocation) |
| Free meals | May be included or a separate entitlement | Institution |
Students in the guaranteed categories can receive the full £1,200 in addition to any discretionary support the institution chooses to offer. A student who does not qualify for the guaranteed bursary but faces financial hardship can still apply for a discretionary payment.
What can the bursary money be used for?
The institution sets the conditions for how bursary money is spent, but it is intended to cover the real costs of participation. Common uses include:
- Travel — bus passes, train season tickets, or a mileage allowance for students who cycle or are driven
- Meals — lunch provision during school or college days
- Books and stationery — textbooks, revision guides, and course materials
- Equipment — calculators, art materials, technology items required for the course
- Clothing — uniforms, PPE, or clothing specifically required by the course (for example, overalls for a construction programme)
Bursary money cannot be used for personal spending unrelated to the course. Institutions may ask students to provide receipts or make payments directly to suppliers.
Does the bursary affect other benefits or tax credits?
The 16-19 Bursary Fund payment does not count as income for tax credit or Universal Credit purposes. Parents or guardians who receive Child Benefit or tax credits for their child should not see those payments affected by a bursary award. However, it is worth checking with the relevant benefit authority if there is any uncertainty, as the rules around benefits and education can be complex.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 16-19 bursary apply to apprentices?
Students undertaking an apprenticeship do not receive the 16-19 bursary — apprentices are employed and receive a wage, so the hardship rationale does not apply in the same way. However, care leavers undertaking apprenticeships may be entitled to a separate bursary from their local authority through the care leavers bursary scheme.
Can a student get the bursary if their school sixth form does not know about it?
Every publicly funded sixth form, college, and training provider in England is required to administer the 16-19 Bursary Fund if it has eligible students. If a school has not publicised the bursary, the student or parent can ask the school's finance or student services team directly. Schools are not permitted to withhold the guaranteed bursary from a student who meets the eligibility criteria.
Is there a bursary for students aged 19 to 25?
Students aged 19 to 24 who have a current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are eligible for the 16-19 Bursary Fund under the same rules as younger students. Students aged 19 or over without an EHCP who are continuing or re-entering education may be eligible for an adult learner bursary through their college, but this is a separate scheme funded differently.
Is the bursary available in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland?
The 16-19 Bursary Fund described here applies to England only. Wales has the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), which provides a weekly payment to eligible 16 to 18 year olds in full-time education. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate financial support arrangements for post-16 learners.
For academic support alongside financial planning for the post-16 transition, visit aitutors.me.