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Disabled students allowance (DSA)

Am I eligible for the DSA?

If you are a UK student with a disability, medical condition or a specific learning difference (e.g. dyslexia) and you are a:

• full-time undergraduate registered on a degree programme
• part-time undergraduate registered on at least 50% of a degree programme
• postgraduate (subject to certain criteria)then you are eligible to apply for DSA. 

What would the DSA allowance provide?

The DSA is made up of three allowances. These are:

• The Basic Allowance
  This is a yearly allowance for items such as tapes, photocopying charges, small items of equipment and special dietary needs.
• Large Items of Equipment Allowance
  This allowance is for large items of equipment such as personal computers, digital voice recorders, radio aids etc.  
• Non-Medical Personal Assistance Allowance
  This is a yearly allowance for course-related personal assistance e.g. note-takers, library assistance, sign language interpreters.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete a DSA1 application form (you can download a form from the DirectGov website).

You are encouraged to discuss your application with the Head of Wellbeing or a Disability Adviser prior to submission. You will receive specific advice on how to proceed with your application, together with ongoing support throughout the application process.

To begin the application process, please download guidance notes on how to apply and the DSA1 application form.

You will also need to submit a piece of medical evidence with your application, this could be a letter from your G.P. The DSA1 form needs to be sent to your funding body e.g. Student Finance England. Once your funding body has confirmed your eligibility for DSA, they will then ask you to have a DSA needs assessment carried out at an assessment centre such as Wessex Needs Assessment Centre.

You should apply as soon as you can, your application is relevant regardless of which university you choose to go to.

For further information on the Disabled Student Allowances, visit the DirectGov website. 

Students from Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

If you normally live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, and are studying anywhere in the UK, your application for student finance will be dealt with by the authorities in your own region.

Follow the links below to find the appropriate website.
Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI
Scotland: Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)
Wales: Student Finance Wales