Version 1.0 - Last Updated: 29 Oct 2023
Quick guides to help you manage the EMA scheme in Wales
Important dates and information for academic year 2025/26
Household income thresholds
EMA is a means-tested allowance. The following household income thresholds apply in academic year 2025/26:
- £23,400 if the student is the only child in the household
- £25,974 if there is at least one other dependent child eligible for Child Benefit in the household
Important dates
Date |
Event |
April 2025 |
EMA Learning Agreement template for academic year 2025/26 available on the Learning Centre Portal. |
Summer 2025 |
Learning Centre Portal available for removal of students not returning and confirmation of EMA Learning Agreements for returners. |
8 September 2025 |
Start of the new EMA academic year. |
November 2025 |
Dependency sample check begins. |
February 2026 |
'Coming Soon' publicity materials issued for academic year 2026/27. |
March 2026 |
Little Book of EMA issued for academic year 2026/27. |
April 2026 |
Application packs issued for academic year 2026/27. |
May and June 2026 |
Returners' Award Letters issued for students eligible for EMA in academic year 2026/27. |
31 August 2026 |
Deadline for us to receive students' supporting evidence for academic year 2026/27 applications. |
Print this chapter