Disabled Students’ Allowance

About the Disabled Students’ Allowance

​If you are a UK student with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia or ADHD), you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

DSA is a non-repayable grant from the UK government that helps cover additional costs you may have as a result of your access needs while studying. It is separate from your student loan and does not depend on your income. 

Find out more

Depending on your needs, DSA can fund: 

  • Specialist equipment (e.g. ergonomic chairs, voice recognition software)
  • Non-medical support workers (e.g. study skills tutors, specialist mentors, BSL interpreters, mental health mentors)
  • Assistive technology and software
  • Travel costs related to your disability
  • Other disability-related study costs 

For students with specific learning differences, DSA usually covers study skills support and equipment but not travel or accommodation costs.​​​

You can apply for DSA if you: 

  • Can provide suitable medical or diagnostic evidence 
  • Are a UK-domiciled undergraduate or postgraduate student
  • Are studying a higher education course in the UK
  • Have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difference

The process varies across UK nations. Use the correct application route for your location: 

As of 2025/26, undergraduate and postgraduate students in England can receive up to £27,783 per year in total support. The amount you receive depends on your individual needs, which are assessed through a 1:1 needs assessment.​​​​​

We recommend applying as soon as possible, as it can take up to 14 weeks for support to be in place. 

If you believe you may have an undiagnosed condition such as dyslexia, ADHD, or another learning difficulty, we can help you arrange an initial assessment.

Please contact our Disability Coordinator at [email protected] as soon as possible so support can be put in place early. 

If you are an international student or otherwise not eligible, please contact our Disability Coordinator, Mya Chopra-McFarlane, at [email protected] who will be happy to explore alternative support options with you. 

Guide to Applying

1. Gather your evidence. This may be a letter from your doctor or a diagnostic report for a specific learning difficulty.

2. Complete the DSA application. You can do this through your student finance account (if applying for tuition loans), or by downloading and submitting form if you are not applying for student finance.

3. Attend a needs assessment. If your application is approved, you will be invited to book a meeting with an external assessor to discuss the types of support that would best suit you.

4. Get your support in place. Your needs assessor will send a report to your funding body. They will confirm what can be funded and arrange suppliers or support workers.

Get Support

We are here you help you if you need any guidance with your application, aren’t sure what evidence is needed, or want assistance completing forms. Email our Disability Co-ordinator, Mya Chopra-McFarlane on [email protected]

Get in touch