Disabled Students' Allowance
What are Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)?
Disabled Students’ Allowance, often called DSA, is funding that can help with study-related costs linked to a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, neurodivergence or specific learning difference.
DSA is not provided by the University. It is usually arranged through your student funding body. The support available will depend on your individual circumstances and how your disability, health condition or difference affects your studies.
DSA does not usually need to be repaid and is not based on household income.
What can DSAs help with?
DSA can help with study-related support such as:
- specialist equipment or assistive technology
- assistive technology training
- non-medical helper support, such as specialist study skills, specialist mentoring or BSL interpreting
DSA does not cover everyday costs that any student might have, such as standard course materials or general living costs. It also does not cover disability-related costs that are not connected to your studies.
Can I apply for DSA?
You may be able to apply for DSA if you are studying in higher education and have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, neurodivergence or specific learning difference that affects your studies.
Eligibility depends on your course, your funding body and your individual circumstances.
If you are an international student, apprentice, or are funded by a different organisation, DSA arrangements may be different. You can contact Student Services for advice about support options.
When can I apply?
You can usually apply for DSA once applications open for student finance for your year of study.
It is helpful to apply as early as possible, as the DSA process can take time and any agreed support is arranged separately from your main student finance application.
How do I apply?
You apply for DSA through your student funding body. This may be Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, Student Awards Agency Scotland, NHS Student Bursaries, or another funding provider, depending on your circumstances.
The way you apply will depend on your funding body and type of study. For example, some students may be able to apply online, while others may need to complete a DSA application form.
Students funded by other bodies should check the guidance from their own funding provider.
What evidence do I need to provide?
When applying for DSA, you will need to provide evidence of your disability, health condition, mental health condition, neurodivergence or specific learning difference.
This could include a medical letter, diagnostic report, educational psychologist’s report or other evidence relevant to your application.
The evidence should explain how your disability, health condition or specific learning difference affects your ability to study. You should check the DSA guidance from your funding body before applying.
What is a needs assessment?
If your DSA application is approved, you will be invited to book a needs assessment.
A needs assessment is not a test. It is used to identify what study-related support you may need.
Can I get help applying for DSAs?
Our Student Services team can provide information, advice and guidance to help you understand and navigate the DSA process.
We can help by:
- explaining the DSA application process
- helping you understand what stage you are at in the process
- signposting you to the relevant application information or student funding body
- helping you understand letters or information you have received about DSA
- advising on next steps if you have been asked to provide more information
- discussing other University support options if you are not eligible for DSA
Contact us
If you have questions about Disabled Students’ Allowance or would like help understanding the DSA process, please contact Student Services.