Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford - Disabled students' allowance

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) at Oxford

You will receive a grant of up to about EUR 32,000 per year (£27,783) to cover additional study costs arising from a disability, a long-term illness, a mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia. This is a grant, not a loan, so you will never have to repay this amount. The amount is based on your individual needs, not on your family income. You can use the money to pay people who help you (for example, a note-taker, a learning support worker or a British Sign Language interpreter), to buy special equipment and software (you pay the first £200 for a computer) and cover the cost of taxi journeys if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability. The DSA is a grant from the UK government, paid out via your national funding agency. The Disability Advisory Service at the University of Oxford can help you apply for and organise this support.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Oxford or have been offered a place to study there.
• Level: Students in the foundation and main stages of their degree, including those participating in the NHS scholarship programme or collaborating with a UK research council.
• Field of study: All subjects.
• Home country: You are a student from the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Jersey or Guernsey. If you are an international student not eligible for the DSA, the University of Oxford may award you a grant instead.
• Course intensity: Your degree programme comprises at least 25% of a full-time degree programme per year and lasts for at least one year.
• Funding eligibility: You are entitled to financial support from your funding body (e.g. a loan to cover tuition fees or living costs), even if you decide not to take it up.
• Evidence: You may provide written evidence of a disability, illness or learning difficulty that affects your studies.

How to apply

You apply for funding through your national funding agency, such as Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, SAAS in Scotland or Student Finance Northern Ireland. Submit your application as soon as you have received a conditional or unconditional offer of a place, as processing can take up to 14 weeks. Once your eligibility for funding has been confirmed, a provider will arrange an informal needs assessment (a discussion about what would help you – not a test) to decide what support you will receive.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive funding scheme. It is a needs-based state grant. So, if you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide evidence of your disability, you will receive support tailored to your situation, rather than having to compete against other applicants. The main risk lies in the time factor: The process can take up to 14 weeks. You should therefore apply for the funding as soon as you have received your offer of place. For short courses and summer schools, there are only very limited funds available for disability support; consequently, the DSA is particularly effective for degree programmes.