Student Health Association - Student Enablement Fund

Benefit

You receive a one-off grant of £25 to £500 (about 30 to 580 EUR) to buy equipment you need for your studies because of a disability or health condition. £500 is the upper limit, not the usual amount. The fund pays for specialist equipment, aids, adaptations and assistive technology. Assistive technology means tools that help you work around your condition, such as special software or adapted furniture. The money is paid by bank transfer. The fund is run by the Student Health Association (SHA), a UK charity. It does not cover laptops, iPads or computers, tuition fees, rent or living costs, books, travel, medication or medical treatment.

Eligibility

• Health: You have a disability, medical condition, sensory impairment, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, and it makes studying harder. You can prove it, for example with a letter from your doctor, a letter from your university's disability officer or the result of your Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) application. The DSA is the UK government grant for disabled students.
• Level: You study at degree level or higher: undergraduate, postgraduate or research.
• Where you study: You study at a UK university or higher education institute, or at a further education college linked to one.
• Course: Your course lasts at least 1 year and you study at least 16 hours per week.
• Timing: Your course has already started and has not yet finished.
• Age: You are over 18.
• Field of study: Any subject can apply.
• One chance: You can apply only once.

How to apply

You apply through an online form. Say exactly what you want to buy, what it costs and how it helps you study, and add proof of your condition. The SHA advises you to apply for the DSA first. Deadlines are midnight on 1 March, 1 July and 1 November. Volunteer assessors send their decision about 1 month after each deadline.