International Disabled Students Fund

What the International Disabled Students Fund covers

You get money for the practical support you need to study with a disability at the University of Cambridge. The amount depends on your needs, and there is no fixed cap. It can pay for assistive technology (equipment and software), human support such as study-skills tutoring, and extra travel costs caused by your disability. Cambridge's Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) runs the fund. It is for international students who cannot claim the UK Disabled Students' Allowances.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are a current student or an offer holder at the University of Cambridge, undergraduate or postgraduate.
• Nationality: You are an international student, including students from EU countries. If you are from the Republic of Ireland, you may instead qualify for the separate Fund for Students with Disabilities.
• Not eligible for UK support: You do not qualify for the UK Disabled Students' Allowances.
• Disability evidence: You can prove a disability as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010, for example with a medical letter or specialist report. Documents not in English must be translated.
• Field of study: All subjects are eligible.

How to apply

Apply by emailing the ADRC or by contacting your ADRC adviser directly. There is no deadline, so you can apply all year round. Still, speak to your adviser as early as possible so your support is ready before your course starts. You may need an independent assessment of your needs, which your adviser can arrange.

How realistic are your chances?

This fund is aimed at a narrow group: international students at one university who have a documented disability and cannot claim UK support. If you clearly fit those conditions and can prove your disability, your prospects are good. The fund is based on need, not a competition for a fixed number of places. Contact your adviser early to have support in place before you begin.