NHS Business Services Authority - The Disabled Student Allowance

What you get

You will receive up to 28,397 GBP for the 2026/27 academic year (about 33,000 EUR) to cover the additional study costs arising from a disability. The exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis following a needs assessment (a professional evaluation of the support you require for your studies). You will never have to repay this amount. This is not a one-off cash payment. Instead, it is used to fund certain things you need in order to study on an equal footing with everyone else:

• Specialist equipment: a laptop or computer (you pay the first 200 GBP, approximately 235 EUR), specialist software and ergonomic accessories.
• Non-medical help: Tutors, subject mentors (personal study advisors), learning coaches, minute-takers and library assistants.
• Disability-related travel: The additional costs of travelling to the university or to an internship placement if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability. There is no upper limit, but this must be recommended in your medical report.
• Other study support:, for example, for printing additional copies of documents for proofreading.

The funding comes from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), which administers the NHS scholarship scheme in the United Kingdom. It does not cover any costs related to a disability that you would incur in any case, even outside your studies.

Who can apply

• Field of study: You are studying medicine or dentistry.
• Funding link: You are already receiving an NHS scholarship.
• Disability: You meet the legal definition of a person with a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This includes a physical disability, a chronic illness, a mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia.
• Enrolment: You can apply regardless of whether you are studying full-time or part-time.
• Income: No means test. What you receive depends solely on your needs, not on how much you or your parents earn.
• Timing: You can submit your application at any time during your studies, even after they have already begun or if you are diagnosed with a condition whilst studying.

How to apply

You apply for the grant via your NHS Grants online account. Submit evidence of your disability, such as a medical certificate or – in the case of learning difficulties – a diagnostic report. You then book an appointment for a needs assessment at an assessment centre, which will decide what support you are eligible for. There are no application deadlines.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship, but an entitlement. If you are studying medicine or dentistry, receiving an NHS scholarship and can provide evidence of a recognised disability, you will receive support. There is no means test and no set budget that could be exhausted. Whether you receive this support depends on whether you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide clear evidence during the needs assessment. International students are generally not eligible.