Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) - information for applicants and students
Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) is a non-means tested grant available to disabled students who are applying for, or are attending, a course of Higher Education. Most international disabled students and those studying non-degree courses cannot usually access Disabled Students Allowance. There are specific eligibility conditions related to residence in the UK which have to be met to qualify for this funding.
DSA allowance covers any additional study-related costs that students will incur because of a disability, ongoing medical condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty, eg dyslexia. Extra costs may include specialist equipment, a non-medical helper, travel and other costs.
Applying for DSA
We would encourage you to contact your funding body, usually Student Finance England to start your application for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) as soon as you can (UK students only). The Disability Advisers can help with this process and can assist you with any questions that you may have. Students from Northern Ireland should contact Student Finance Northern Ireland, students from Wales should contact Student Finance Wales and students from Scotland should contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.
There are two ways to apply for DSA through Student Finance England.
- If you are also applying for a student finance package, state on the main application form that you want to apply for DSA and then complete the 'short' version of the DSA1 form.
- If you are applying for DSA financial support only, or you are taking a part time course, or if you are a Postgraduate Applicant, you will need to complete the longer version of the application form.
Useful Tips
- Apply as early as possible; don't wait until you've been offered a place at university.
- You need to give proof of your disability or health condition. This may be a letter from your Doctor or specialist. Click here for guidance on providing medical evidence.
- If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you'll need to provide a 'diagnostic assessment' from a psychologist or a suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you had a diagnostic assessment when you were under age 16, it may need updating.
Following your application
Once you have applied for DSA and your eligibility is confirmed you will be asked by your funding body to attend a needs assessment. This appointment can be carried out before the start of your course. A needs assessment must be carried out by an accredited assessment centre. Following that assessment, a report will produced that outlines recommendations for appropriate adjustments.
Further information on DSA
For the latest information on the above allowance please visit DirectGov or contact us.
