Aberystwyth University - Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

If you are studying in England, you will receive financial support to cover the additional costs of studying caused by a disability, up to approximately EUR 39,000 (£27,783) per year. This is not paid as a lump sum. The amount is based on your individual needs, and most students receive significantly less than the maximum amount. The funding covers specialist equipment such as an accessible computer or software, non-medical support staff such as a British Sign Language interpreter or a specialist note-taker, taxi journeys if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability, as well as other disability-related support such as additional printing costs. The money is not a loan, so you never have to pay it back, and it does not depend on your household income. It is a grant from the UK Government, administered by ‘Student Finance England’. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes with different maximum amounts.

Who can apply

• Where you live: They live in England. Each nation of the United Kingdom runs its own scheme.
• Disability: You have a disability, a long-term illness or a mental health condition that has a significant and long-term impact on your daily life. These include learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD, physical or sensory disabilities, autism, and conditions such as cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV. You will need proof of this, for example a doctor’s certificate or a diagnostic report.
• Level of study: You are a student in the first or second cycle of your degree programme, including distance learning and part-time study.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Course: Your degree programme is based at a British higher education institution and lasts for at least one year or, as part of the right to lifelong learning, comprises at least 30 credits.
• Student finance: You are entitled to both a loan to cover your tuition fees and a loan to cover your full living costs from Student Finance England.
• Not eligible: You are not eligible for this grant if you are simply receiving a loan to cover your tuition fees, or if you are receiving equivalent support elsewhere (e.g. under the NHS scheme or from a university fund) or if you are undertaking higher education or a course leading to an academic qualification.

How to apply

You submit your application via your online account with Student Finance England. Complete the DSA form and provide evidence of your disability. Processing usually takes around six weeks. If you are eligible, a service provider (Study Tech or Capita) will arrange a needs assessment – an in-person or online interview lasting around two hours – to decide what support you will receive. There is no fixed timeframe, but it can take up to 14 weeks for the support to be put in place. Apply for support early and do not buy anything before your needs assessment.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a means-tested grant. If you meet the eligibility criteria regarding your disability and the funding of your studies, you will receive support based on your assessed needs and not in comparison with other applicants. The real question is whether you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide evidence of your condition. If so, your chances are good. Simply apply for the funding in good time before you start your studies, as it takes several weeks to process the application.