University of the West of England - Disabled student funding

What you get

This is not a single scholarship, but a package of funding opportunities for students with disabilities studying for a Bachelor’s degree at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The key components are additional government funding and priority support from the university:

• Special Support Maintenance Loan: a higher student loan from Student Finance England if you receive a disability benefit that qualifies you for this.
• Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs): provides grants to cover additional study costs arising from your disability, such as those for assistive devices or support. You do not have to repay these grants, and they are not means-tested.
• Special Support Element/Grant: a supplement to your maintenance loan. This amount is not counted as income when your Universal Credit is calculated.
• UWE Bristol Student Support Fund: A hardship grant from the university that does not need to be repaid. Eligibility depends on your income. Students with a disability who receive a disability pension are given priority.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at UWE Bristol or on a fully accredited degree programme at a partner university.
• Level: You are a bachelor’s student. The hardship fund also applies to master’s students.
• Residence: You are a UK ‘Home’ student. Students from the EU and international students should contact the Disability Service at UWE Bristol instead.
• Field of study: Any degree programme that is eligible for funding under the student finance scheme.
• Disability: You have a disability or a long-term illness. To qualify for the higher loan amount and priority status, you must be in receipt of a disability benefit, such as the ‘Disability Living Allowance’ (DLA) or the ‘Personal Independence Payment’ (PIP).
• Registration: You are fully enrolled on your degree programme and are already receiving all the student grants to which you are entitled.

How to apply

You should apply for the higher loan and the special grant via Student Finance England, and for the DSAs via gov.uk. In all cases, please enclose a recent notification confirming the grant has been awarded. To apply for the UWE Bristol Student Support Fund, complete an online form, undertake a short Blackbullion finance module at 100% and upload supporting documents. This fund is currently closed and will reopen on 14 September 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

These are not competitive grants, but entitlements. If you meet the criteria and are entitled to the relevant benefit, you will receive it – so there is no selection process that you could fail. DSAs are completely independent of your income, whereas the Hardship Fund and Universal Credit are means-tested. It is crucial that you have your documents ready, particularly a recent notice confirming your entitlement to benefits. So please ensure you have this to hand before you submit your application.