About Disabled Students' Allowances

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) pay for support and equipment to assist those (home) students who have a disability, specific learning difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia, or mental health problems, or a long term medical condition. The scheme is open to full and part time undergraduate and postgraduate home students.

For full information about what DSAs can pay for, who is eligible to apply, what evidence you will need to provide, how much you can get and how the application process works, visit the Direct Gov website. Nursing and midwifery students (unless seconded), apply through the NHS (see below).

Quick guide to how it works

Gather evidence
You will need written proof of your disability, specific learning difficulty, mental health problems, or a long term medical condition.
Fill in an application form
2.3. If you have completed an application form for student finance and indicated that you want to apply for DSAs your funder will send an application form (DSA1) to you. Forms can also be downloaded from the links below. The completed form is returned to the funder with the student's evidence (educational psychologists report, or a letter from their GP or consultant or other professional agency).
Assessment of needs interview
The funder writes to the student requesting they attend an assessment centre for an assessment of their study needs. At the assessment, the assessor discusses the content of the programme the student is following and study related difficulties the student will face as a result of their condition.
Assessment of needs report
The assessor produces a report with recommendations for support and sends a copy to the funder.
Notification of support
The funder then writes to the student informing them of the support they have agreed and how to access it.

About Disabled Students' Allowances

Quick guide to how it works

Further information and applying for DSAs

More about DSAs

Apply for DSAs

Information for health students