Disabled Students’ Allowance

What is the Disabled Students' Allowance?

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is available to many students with a disability who need additional equipment or specialist support to study at university.

It is intended to cover any extra costs or expenses you may have as a result of attending your course and which arise directly because of your disability. For example, a deaf student may need to pay for the services of a note taker for lectures. A partially sighted student may need to arrange reader support or to purchase specialist IT equipment. A student with dyslexia may need to access specialist software to help with proofreading their work.

The allowance is not means tested, does not have to be paid back and can pay for many different kinds of support or equipment.

How do I apply?

Many full- and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who have a disability or specific learning difficulty are eligible for the DSA. The application should usually be made to Student Finance England (SFE). If you are studying a course like social work, nursing or midwifery you may need to apply to NHS Bursaries Office.

For further information, visit www.direct.gov.uk/dsa.You can also telephone the orderline on 0845 300 5090 (or textphone 0845 604 4434) for an application form.

The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service can help you apply, either before or after your arrival at the University. You can apply for DSA up to one year in advance of your course. If you have already started your course, you can come to one of our drop-in sessions or contact us for an appointment.

What happens next?

Once your funding body  has decided whether you are eligible, it may arrange for you to visit an appropriate specialist agency, such as the National Federation of Access Centres, for an assessment of equipment and study needs.

The person who carries out the assessment will advise you on the types of equipment and support available and make recommendations to your funding body. The funding body will then arrange with you for payment of the allowance, and advise you on ordering your equipment, etc.

For more information please download the Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Allowances in Higher Education 2009/10 (PDF) guide or visit www.direct.gov.uk/dsa.

How long does it take?

It is very important to apply as early as possible before you arrive at University as applications can take some time to process, and this can cause delays in specialist support being provided. However, it is also possible to apply at any time during the course.

How much help might I get?

The type and amount of allowance available depends on whether you are a full- or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate student.

Undergraduate students

Please see Direct.gov.uk information on How much you can get for more information.

Postgraduate students

A Disabled Students’ Allowance of up to £10,260 per academic year may be available for full- or part-time postgraduate students. Postgraduate courses must be higher than a first degree to be eligible. Part-time courses should not take more than twice as long to complete than an equivalent full-time course.

International students

Overseas and non-UK students are not eligible to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance. However, the University has a fund that can be used to cover support costs.

You will be able to access support such as:

  • Accessibility Software on all networked PCs
  • 24 hour access to PCs

You may be able to access:

  • Specialist equipment loans
  • Funding for tutoring, mentoring or support workers

Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service to discuss your individual requirements.

NHS-funded students

Students who receive non-means tested NHS bursaries, such as nursing diploma courses, are eligible for the DSA. However, this is not administered through your Local Education Authority. Visit www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk for more information.