The 16-19 Bursary Fund: financial support for students in 2025-26

The Government introduced the 16-19 Bursary Fund some years ago to support young people in Post 16 education and training. The purpose of the 16-19 Bursary Fund is to assist those aged 16-19 who are in full time education and who face financial barriers to participation because they are from lower income households or are disadvantaged in some way.

Students can apply for a discretionary bursary if they satisfy 1 or more of the following criteria:  

  • Household income below ÂŁ40,000 per year (although support is allocated on a needs basis)
  • Able to demonstrate financial hardship arising from other reasons

In assessing any application for a discretionary bursary, we will consider:  

  • Level of household income
  • Distance to travel between the student’s home and the institution, or a location for a placement
  • The number of dependent children in the student’s household
  • The requirements of their study programme
  • Whether the student has additional responsibilities that may mean they need extra help e.g. young carer

There is no set limit for the amount of discretionary bursary that can be awarded to students. We will base all decisions around which students receive a discretionary bursary, and how much bursary they receive, on each student’s individual circumstances and their actual financial need.

We will review the student’s eligibility position each academic year. Students will only continue to receive a discretionary bursary if they continue to satisfy the criteria.

Students wishing to access the discretionary bursary fund must complete the application form below and provide evidence of household income. Such evidence could include:

  • current evidence of benefits
  • Pay Slips
  • P60
  • tax credit award notice
  • free school meal entitlement
  • bank statements
  • evidence of self-employment

Bursary application form

16-19 Bursary Policy