Changes for academic year 2026/27

EMA applicants can provide NINO for income assessment

We've introduced changes that mean we'll now verify students’ and sponsors’ income using their National Insurance number. They'll no longer need to provide any financial information. This brings the process in line with higher education.

Application deadline

We've extended the deadline for students to return their applications from 31 March to 31 August, so students will have longer to apply for EMA. The information on the application forms has changed from:

AY 2025/26

• We need to have received your application before 31 March 2026 for you to be eligible for EMA in AY 2025/26.

• We need to have received all your supporting information and evidence before 31 August 2026 for you to be eligible for EMA in academic year 2025/26.

AY 2026/27

• We need to have received your completed application form and evidence before 31 August 2027 for you to be eligible for EMA in AY 2026/27.