UK Government - Disabled students

What the Disabled Students' Allowance covers

You will receive up to approximately 31,000 EUR per year (26,948 GBP for 2024/25) as a grant towards the additional study costs incurred as a result of a disability. This is a grant from the UK government and not a scholarship from Brunel University, but Brunel University’s support team will help you with your application. The money covers expenses for items such as a laptop, accessible software, recording equipment, one-to-one tuition in study skills, mentoring (regular support from an experienced adviser), note-takers, interpreters for lectures, as well as travel costs, photocopying costs and printer cartridges. You do not have to repay this grant. The government usually pays directly to the equipment supplier or support provider, not to you. Normally, you pay the first 200 GBP for a computer yourself, but Brunel covers this 200 GBP for all fully enrolled students. Tuition fees and living costs are not covered.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You are a British (‘domestic’) student living in the United Kingdom.
• University: You are studying at Brunel University London. This grant generally applies to British universities as well.
• Disability: You have a disability. This includes mental health issues, medical conditions or invisible impairments such as dyslexia. You must provide evidence of this, for example a doctor’s certificate or an assessment from a school psychologist.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Study mode: You can work full-time or part-time.
• Income: There is no income limit. It doesn’t matter how much you or your parents earn.

How to apply

Submit an application to ‘Student Finance England’ or, if your course is funded by the NHS, to the NHS, and include your proof of disability with the form. There is no fixed deadline, but you should submit your application as early as possible. The process can take up to three months and involves a means test, during which an assessor will recommend what support you should receive.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an entitlement, not a selection process. There is neither a fixed number of places nor a means test. So, if you are a student in the United Kingdom and can demonstrate that you have disability-related learning needs, you should meet the eligibility criteria. The biggest risk is the time involved: the assessment can take up to three months. You should therefore start the process early to ensure your support is in place by the start of the term.