DfE - 16-19 Bursary Fund

You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you’re aged 16 to 19 and:

• studying at a publicly funded school or college in England - not a university
• on a training course, including unpaid work experience

A publicly funded school is one that does not charge you for attending it.

If You’re 19 and Over

You could also get a bursary if you either:

• are continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a ’19+ continuer’)
• have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan

What a Bursary Is For

A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:

• clothing, books and other equipment for your course
• transport and lunch on days you study or train

Eligibility

You must:

• be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2021
• 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

Bursary for Students in Vulnerable Groups

You may be able to get a bursary if at least one of the following applies:

• you’re in or you recently left local authority care
• you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
• you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
• you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

The amount you may get depends on the costs you have and what you need for your course. This might include money for books, equipment or travel costs to school or college.

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 student services about their criteria and any evidence you’ll need.

You can apply to a discretionary bursary if you’re over 19 and either:

• continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a ‘19+ continuer’)
• have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan

How to Claim

Apply to your school, college or training provider. Ask student services or your tutor to explain what you need to do.