University of Bradford - Financial Support for Students with Disabilities

Disabled Students' Allowance at the University of Bradford

You will receive up to £26,291 per year (about 30,500 EUR) to cover the additional study costs arising from a disability, a mental health condition or a long-term illness. This is a grant, not a loan, so you will never have to repay this amount. It covers, for example, the cost of special aids, non-medical support staff (such as a note-taker or a sign language interpreter) and additional travel costs. The money is not paid into your bank account. It is used directly to purchase the aids you require. It is funded by the UK Government through ‘Student Finance England’ and the equivalent bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You are a student from the UK. International students and students from the EU are not eligible for the state-funded DSA; however, the University’s Disability Advisory Board can organise other support measures for you.
• Level of study: You are studying on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme.
• How you study: Full-time, part-time and distance-learning courses are all permitted.
• Field of study: Any topic is on the cards.
• Your situation: You have a disability that affects your ability to study, such as a learning difficulty, a chronic illness, a mental health condition, or a physical or sensory disability.
• Income: The amount of your benefit does not depend on how much you or your family earn. It is based on the level of support you require as a result of your disability.
• Proof: You can provide evidence of your health status, for example by submitting a form certifying a disability, a medical certificate or a diagnostic report from a clinical psychologist in the case of learning difficulties.

How to apply

You can apply for funding via ‘Student Finance England’ or the relevant funding body for your region in the United Kingdom using form DSA1. If you have already applied for student finance, you can update your details online instead. You do not need a confirmed place at university and can submit your application at any stage of your studies. The Bradford Disability Service will be happy to assist you with your application.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship with a fixed number of places. If you are a student from the UK with a disability that affects your studies, and you can provide evidence of this, you are eligible for this support. There is no selection process during which you could be rejected. Please apply for the support as early as possible, as the processing time can take up to 16 weeks during peak periods.