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.

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 special need are eligible for the DSA. The application should be made to your Local Education Authority (LEA).

For further information, visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance. You can also telephone the free 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. 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 LEA 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 LEA. The LEA will then arrange with you for payment of the allowance, ordering of 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.

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 some funding that can be used to cover support costs. 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.