If you decide to stay in full-time education, you can get financial help with the cost of your studies. This could help with transport and childcare costs. The type of help you can receive - and how much money you're entitled to - will depend on your personal circumstances. The information below is offered as a guide only - please see a Connexions personal adviser who will be able to help you further.

EMA is currently being reviewed by the new government and is subject to change. Please wait for further announcements.

If you want to do a specialist course that's not available in your local area, there are two main sources of potential support with the extra costs of studying away from home:

• studying at a college that offers residential bursaries for certain courses.
• Applying for finance under the Residential Support Scheme.

Find out more on DirectGov.

If you're a young parent, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare and travel costs while you're learning.

To find out if you qualify, or to help you apply, you can either phone the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 or contact your Connexions personal adviser.

Find out more at DirectGov.

Discretionary Support Funds are available in sixth forms and colleges to help with learning costs. The funds are prioritised for those who face financial hardship. They can be used to help with:

• financial hardship and emergencies
• childcare costs (for Ofsted-registered childcare)
• accommodation costs, for those who have to study further than the maximum distance from home
• travel costs (for over 18s)
• essential course-related equipment, materials and field trips.

• be aged 16 or over
• have been accepted onto and be studying a programme of learning funded by the Young People's Learning Agency.

For more information, go to DirectGov.

Dance and Drama Awards are for students over the age of 16 who want to work in the performing arts.

Available from some of England's leading private dance and drama schools, they'll help you pay for a place on a prestigious and well-respected course - whatever your financial circumstances.

The award will pay for the majority of your tuition fees, but you'll be expected to make a contribution. You could also get extra money to help with your living costs.

Find out more at DirectGov.

Cost is a concern for most potential HE students - the good news is there's probably more help than you think. The important part is knowing what's available, what you're entitled to and whether or not you'll have to pay it back.

As a general rule, grants and bursaries don't have to be paid back, but loans do - so check what you're applying for, so you know what you'll owe when you leave higher education.

If you're studying full-time, the main sources of help are student loans and grants from the Government, and bursaries from your university or college.

For more information about financial support for full-time and part-time students, go to DirectGov.