UK Government - Disabled Students' Allowance

What the Disabled Students' Allowance covers

You will receive up to about EUR 32,000 per year (up to £27,783) to cover additional study costs arising from a disability, a mental health condition or a long-term illness. This is financial support from the UK government, not a loan, so you will never have to repay this amount and there is no means test. It covers the costs of what you need to study on an equal footing with everyone else:

• Specialised aids, such as a computer, if your condition requires it (you pay the first £200 of a computer).
• Non-medical support staff, such as sign language interpreters or minute-takers.
• Taxi fares for the journey to your university if you are unable to use public transport.
• Further study-related support for students with disabilities, such as additional printed copies.

It does not cover costs that you would incur in any case, nor does it cover costs that every student incurs.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in England.
• Your condition: You have a disability that affects your studies. These include learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD, mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, physical or sensory disabilities, and chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV.
• Student finance: You are entitled to both a tuition fee loan and a living costs loan from Student Finance England. A tuition fee loan alone is not sufficient.
• Your course: You are studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK that lasts at least one year (or, as part of a ‘Lifelong Learning Entitlement’ programme, comprises at least 30 credits).
• Field of study: All cupboards are open.
• Proof needed: You can provide supporting documentation, such as a letter from your doctor or a diagnostic report from a specialist regarding a learning difficulty.
• Not eligible: You are not eligible for this grant if you are already receiving equivalent support from the NHS programme, your university or another organisation, or if you are undertaking higher education or a course leading to an academic qualification.

How to apply

You can apply for funding via your online account with Student Finance England or, if you do not use this account, by completing form DSA1. Postgraduate and part-time students must submit a new application each year using form DSA1. There is no fixed deadline. You will be informed within approximately 4 weeks whether your application has been successful. The exact amount of your support will then be determined as part of a needs assessment – an informal discussion about what would help you.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship where other applicants can outcompete you. It is a means-tested grant. So, if you live in England, meet the eligibility criteria for the two student loans and can prove that your medical condition is affecting your studies, you will receive this grant. The most time-consuming part is compiling the medical or diagnostic evidence. You should therefore apply for the grant well in advance: it can take up to 14 weeks for your funding to be finalised.