UK Government - Disabled Students’ Allowance

What the Disabled Students' Allowance covers

You will receive up to £27,783 per year (about 32,000 EUR) to cover the additional study costs you incur as a result of a disability, a long-term illness, a mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia. This is a grant from the UK government, not a loan, so you will never have to repay this amount. It is awarded for the entire duration of your studies. The money covers the costs of what you actually need. Examples: specialist equipment such as a computer; 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 additional disability-related study costs such as extra printing costs. The amount depends solely on your individual needs, not on your household income. If it is determined that you need a new computer, you will pay the first £200 (approx. 230 EUR) yourself.

Who can apply

• Disability or condition: You have a disability, a chronic illness, a mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia or dyspraxia). You can provide evidence of this by means of a medical or specialist medical report or a diagnostic assessment.
• Course: You are enrolled on, or have been admitted to, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme in the United Kingdom, including distance-learning programmes at the Open University. The programme must last at least 1 years.
• Nationality: You are eligible for UK student finance.
• Financial need: No details are required. Your income and that of your parents will not be checked.
• Not eligible: Students on an NHS-funded course, EU students who are only eligible for a loan to cover their tuition fees, and apprentices.

How to apply

First, apply for student finance, even if you do not wish to take out a loan. You should then submit a separate DSA application to the funding body responsible for your region in the UK – online via GOV.UK. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, a service provider will arrange an appointment for a needs assessment. This is an informal discussion – not a test – to clarify what support you are entitled to. You can submit the application at any time during your studies, but you should start the process early as it can take some time.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship with a limited number of places. It is an entitlement: if you are eligible for UK student finance, meet the requirements regarding proof of disability and are enrolled on an eligible course, you will receive the support recommended in your needs assessment. There is no means test and no limit on the number of participants. Therefore, your main task is to provide evidence of your disability and to submit your application well in advance, as the preparation process takes some time.