Disabled Students' Allowance
If you’re studying at Kingston University and have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difference (SpLD), you may be able to claim Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Here’s everything you need to know about accessing your support.
What is Disabled Students’ Allowance?
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is external funding to cover the cost of studying in Higher Education as a result of a disability. It provides funding for support rather than monetary payments and this support is based on the impact of your individual disability. DSA does not cover the cost of support that you would require if you were not a student e.g. personal care or support that all students require e.g. subject-specific support.
DSA can be claimed on top of any other student finance or benefits.
It does not need to be paid back.
- It is based on your individual needs, not your income.
You can apply for DSA through your Student Finance provider in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Who is eligible for DSA?
To be eligible for DSA you need to meet the following criteria:
- You're a UK resident or have been in the UK for a sustained period of time (as stated by your funding body).
- You're an undergraduate or postgraduate student on a course that lasts at least a year (including part-time, Open University and distance learning courses).
- You have a disability, medical condition, sensory impairment, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study.
You are not eligible if:
- You're an international student
- You get equivalent support from another source, such as an NHS or Social Work Bursary
- You're studying a foundation course which doesn't directly lead to an undergraduate course e.g. Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice
- You're studying a short course
- You're studying for an apprenticeship programme
You can find out more about eligibility from your student finance provider:
- England: Student Finance England (SFE)
- Scotland: Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
- Wales: Student Finance Wales
- Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI
What does DSA cover?
DSA goes towards study costs that are related to your disability. It can pay for:
- non-medical helpers such as BSL interpreters, 1-1 study skills tutors or specialist mentors
- specialist equipment or assistive technology
- printing costs
- travelling to and from university.
DSA does not cover disability-related costs that you would have whether you were a student or not, such as personal care support. Nor does it cover costs that every student might have, such as books and food.
Applying for DSA
Get in touch
Can’t find the information you’re looking for?
You can contact us by telephone on +44 (0)20 8417 6000 (via the Information Centre) or +44 (0)20 8417 9000 (via the switchboard). Alternatively you can contact the disability team via email.
SignVideo Access is also available for BSL Users to communicate with us by phone.
Our Disability and Mental Health Advisers offer free appointments to discuss the support available at Kingston University. Current students can book through the Student Hub, offer holders and applicants can book via email.