Scottish Government - Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

What the Disabled Students' Allowance covers

You will receive a government grant to cover the additional costs incurred as a result of a disability, illness or learning difficulty whilst you are studying. This grant does not need to be repaid. It does not affect other grants or benefits and is independent of your parents’ or your own income or assets. In Scotland, the grant is awarded by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). It consists of three parts: up to approximately 24,000 EUR (£20,520) per year for a personal support worker, such as a note-taker, a sign language interpreter or psychological support; up to approximately 6,000 EUR (£5,160) for the entire duration of your studies for equipment such as a laptop, a scanner or software; and up to approximately 2,000 EUR (£1,725) per year for consumables such as printing costs, paper and ink. In addition, you may be reimbursed for additional travel costs if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability. At the University of Edinburgh, the ‘Disability and Learning Support Service’ will help you with your application.

Who can apply

• Level of study: You are studying a higher education course at Higher National Certificate (HNC) level or above.
• Disability or condition: Do you suffer from a chronic condition, a physical impairment or limited mobility, a mental health condition, a sensory impairment (visual or hearing impairment), a social or communication impairment, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.
• Extra costs: Because of this condition, you will incur higher tuition fees.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• No income test: Your income and savings are irrelevant.
• Full or part time: Both options work. The part-time contributions are reduced proportionally.
• Where you live: The SAAS grant is aimed at students who are ordinarily resident in Scotland. If you are an international student, an EU student or a part-time student and are not eligible for the DSA, the university offers its own funding scheme for students with disabilities instead.

How to apply

First, contact the university’s ‘Disability and Learning Support Service’. They will carry out a needs assessment to determine what support you require. This involves a meeting during which an adviser will assess the additional costs arising from your disability. They will then help you to complete the separate SAAS application. Submit your application well in advance, ideally before you start your studies. The whole process can take up to three months, and there is often a waiting list during the semester.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an entitlement, not a prize awarded as part of a competition. If you are studying at HNC level or above and can prove that a disability or medical condition results in additional costs for you whilst studying, you are entitled to this – regardless of your grades or your income. The main risk lies in the timeline, not in your application being rejected. You should therefore book an appointment for a needs assessment well in advance, as the approval process can take up to three months. The exact amount will depend on the outcome of the needs assessment.