EMA is a means tested weekly allowance of £30, payable to students aged 16 to 19 in most circumstances for a maximum of 3 years. Students must achieve 100% attendance per week of the agreed attendance within their EMA Learning Agreement completed at school level.

EMA is payable in arrears, during term time only, generally on a 2-weekly basis.  No payments are made for school holidays.  Students can apply if they attend a school in Dumfries and Galloway or have a history of being Home Educated, attend a Young Persons Activity with Employability and Skills D&G Council or travel daily to a Cross Border facility.

Students who plan to attend a College in Scotland should apply for EMA to the college direct.

Students will be asked to complete and return a Learning Agreement if their application is successful so that payments can start.  Successful students will receive an award letter by email to their School Glow email account or if they do not attend a school it will be sent to their personal email as stated on their application.