NHS Business Services Authority - Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

What the Disabled Students' Allowance covers

You will receive up to £28,397 per academic year (about 32,700 EUR) to cover the additional costs incurred as a result of your disability or chronic illness whilst you are studying. This is not a lump sum that you are free to spend as you wish. It is intended to cover specific expenses, determined on an individual basis, in four areas:

• Specialist equipment: a laptop, specialised software or ergonomic accessories. You will have to pay for the first £200 for any computer or laptop yourself.
• Non-medical help: Support staff, specialist mentors, minute-takers or library assistants.
• Extra travel: Travel expenses if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability.
• Other study support:, for example, for printing additional copies of documents for proofreading.

The allowance comes from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), which runs it alongside the NHS Bursary. It only covers costs caused by studying, not costs you would have anyway.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are a medical or dental student.
• Other funding: You already receive an NHS Bursary.
• Disability: You have a physical or mental disability that significantly and long-term affects your daily life (as defined in the UK Equality Act 2010).
• Residence: You are studying in the United Kingdom.

How to apply

You apply for the grant via your online account with NHS Bursary; your university’s disability adviser can help you with this. There is no fixed deadline, so you can apply at any time, even whilst you are studying. Following an initial assessment, you will take part in a needs assessment. An assessor will determine what support you are entitled to, and the NHSBSA will then confirm the details in writing.