University of Bedfordshire - Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

You will receive up to 27,783 GBP per year (about 32,400 EUR) to cover the additional study costs you incur as a result of a disability, a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, a chronic illness or a mental health condition. The amount is based on your needs, not your income, and you will never have to repay it. This will enable you to pay for specialist aids such as a computer (you will contribute the first 200 GBP yourself), non-medical support staff such as a British Sign Language interpreter or a note-taker, taxi journeys to your course or work placement if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability, as well as other support such as additional printouts for proofreading. This is a grant provided by the UK Government. The University of Bedfordshire supports its students with the application process.

Who can apply

• Your situation: You have a disability, a specific learning difficulty, a chronic illness or a mental health condition that results in additional costs in connection with your studies.
• Level: You are a student on an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. A postgraduate programme must last for at least one year.
• Study mode: You are studying on a full-time or part-time basis. A part-time course must be at least 25% as intensive as a full-time course.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Where you study: You’re studying in England.
• Nationality: Applies to domestic students. Separate regulations apply to students from the EU and international students.
• Income: No means test. What you receive depends solely on your needs.

How to apply

You should submit your application to the organisation that funds your studies – usually ‘Student Finance England’ – and include evidence of your disability. If you meet the eligibility criteria, a service provider (Study Tech or Capita) will invite you to a needs assessment. This is an informal discussion, either in person or online, during which a decision will be made on what support you will receive. Apply as early as possible, as the process can take around 14 weeks.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship with a fixed number of places. It is a means-tested entitlement; therefore, if you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide evidence of your disability, you will receive support tailored to your assessed needs. The greatest risk is the time factor. As the process can take around 14 weeks, submitting your application late in your final year may mean that the support does not arrive in time. Submit your application as early as possible and do not purchase any assistive devices before your assessment, as you will not be reimbursed for the costs.