The 16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help young people overcome specific barriers to participation, so they can remain in education. 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
There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursaries -
- 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 is available if you need financial help but don’t qualify for a bursary for students in vulnerable groups.
- Your education or training provider decides:
- How much you receive.
- What the bursary is used for.
- How it is paid to you.
- Payment methods may include:
- Cash.
- Cheque.
- Bank transfer.
- Non-cash support like travel passes, free meals, or books.
- Additional support may include:
- One-off payments for study trips.
- Travel costs for university interviews.
Schools and colleges are responsible for managing both types of bursaries. Young people who want to apply for support from the bursary fund should contact their chosen school or college to make an application.
