Disabled Students Allowances

UK Students with long-term health conditions, disabilities, mental health or specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) may be eligible to apply to their funding authority for Disabled Students Allowances to pay for disability specific study related support services and equipment.

Information about eligibility and the application process can be found at Disability Rights UK or via the relevant funding authority links below.

Apply for Disabled Students Allowances

Student Finance Wales
Student Finance England
NHS Wales
Student Awards Agency For Scotland
Student Finance Ireland
Student Finance Northern Ireland

Things to consider

  • Remember to start your DSA application as early as possible as the process can take up to 14 weeks.
  • When submitting your DSA application, please note the consent to share at the end of the form. If this section is not fully completed and consent given, Student Finance will not be able to discuss your application with us or process queries or invoices relating to your support from the selected suppliers. This could result in support delays and you could be held liable for costs incurred by suppliers. 
  • Depending on your address your application will be assigned to either Capita or Study Tech who will contact you to arrange a DSA Needs Assessment. Study Tech or Capita will be your single point of contact for your needs assessment, assistive technology, and assistive technology training needs.
  • When your Needs Assessment report is completed, it will be sent to Student Finance, who will consider the recommendations and write to you directly to inform you of the outcome. Once you have received your final report, please book an appointment with a Disability Adviser to discuss.
  • Your DSA support package is likely to include a variety of goods and services which will be provided by a number of different suppliers. It is your responsibility to liaise with the suppliers selected by Student Finance to initiate and manage your support. USW is in no way responsible for DSA funded support provided by external suppliers.
  • Part time and Post graduate students are required to complete a full DSA application form  for each year of study. Applications for the following year should be submitted to student finance before the end of the current academic year to ensure continuous support.
  • Exceptional Case process (.pdf)

Alternative Funding

Although international students can’t claim DSAs, you may be able to get funding through your home government, sponsors or scholarships. There may also be charitable trusts and organisations that you can apply to for funding such as The Snowdon Award Scheme who offer grants to support students with physical or sensory conditions.