EMA for returning students

If you received EMA during the last academic year, then you won’t have to complete another application form. Instead, you will receive a Returners award letter to check and your parent(s) or guardian(s) maybe asked for details about your household income.

Returners award letter

If you received EMA during the 2023 to 2024 academic year, and are continuing with your studies in academic year 2024 to 2025, you don’t need to complete another application form. Instead, you will receive a returners award letter to advise you of your EMA award for 2024 to 2025. This will be based on your previous academic year’s financial assessment.

Once you receive the letter, check that all of the details in it are accurate. If you need to change anything, or if you haven’t received your letter yet, contact the EMA helpline.

Receiving your EMA payment

If all of the information on the returners award letter is accurate, you should sign your Learning Agreement within eight weeks of starting your course – this will also entitle you to any backdated payments to the start of term.

The Learning Agreement is an agreement between the student and the school/ college, setting out the conditions upon which EMA and the two bonus payments will be payable. Learning Agreements are signed and dated by both parties and retained by the school/ college.

You must also meet the attendance rules and objectives contained within your Learning Agreement – your school or college must confirm your attendance with the Student Loans Company.

EMA - January bonus

To be considered for the January bonus, you must sign Part 2 of your Learning Agreement by 2 December 2024.

Education Maintenance Allowance explained

Financial details form

As a returning student approved to receive EMA in 2024 to 2025, the Student Loans Company may issue a financial details form to your parent(s) or guardian(s) asking them to provide details of the household income for the 2022 to 2023 financial year.

The form must be completed and returned to the Student Loans Company within 30 days or your EMA payments will be suspended.

The financial details form is available at:

Education Maintenance Allowance application forms and guidance notes

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