Disabled Students’ Allowance
Most UK students are eligible to claim the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), a government grant that covers extra support like equipment, travel expenses, and learning mentors.
You can apply for DSA right now- even if you haven’t yet decided where you want to study.
Setting up DSA can take between 12 and 14 weeks. That’s why we recommend applying for it as soon as possible.
DSA FAQs
Who provides Disabled Students Allowances?
If you’re a UK undergraduate or taught postgraduate, you will apply through your student finance funding body:
• Student Finance England
• Student Finances Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Awards Agency Scotland
- NHS students
- UKRI students: talk to Disability Services
Do I have to pay it back?
No — this is a government funded bursary which is part of Student Finance, so you won’t have to pay it back at the end of your studies.
What type of support can DSA pay for?
- Equipment: computers, printers, ergonomic equipment, audio recording devices
• Specialist software and assistive technology: voice recognition, mind mapping, screen readers
• Non-medical helpers: specialist mentors, study skills tutors, assistive technology trainers
• Travel allowances: taxi allowances (this covers the difference between public transport costs and the type of transport you need because of your disability)
• General allowances: printing and photocopying materials, fridges for medication
How do I apply for DSAs?
Apply online through your Student Finance account and submit evidence of your disability. Evidence needs to:
• Clearly state what the diagnosis is
• State that it is long term (lasting or likely to last 12 months or over)
• Include how it affects you
• Be as up to date as possible
• Be provided by a medical professional, or an Educational Psychologist if you are providing evidence of a specific learning difficulty
• Be written on headed paper, or you can download a DSA Evidence Form (you can find these on your funding body webpage)
What next?
1. Your funding body will let you know if your application has been approved
2. You will then be asked to have a study needs assessment: an informal discussion about the types of support you would find helpful in your studies
3. Your assessor will write a report containing their recommendations and send a copy to you, Student Finance and the University.
4. Once the recommendations have been approved, you will receive an ‘entitlement letter’ which will confirm the funding approved and what, if any, actions you need to take.
We can help!
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. We can help you gather the evidence you need and guide you through the application process. Contact us for a 1:1.
Snowdon Trust disability study cost grants
Snowdon Trust grants help remove barriers by funding disability-related study costs so you can access and participate in your studies at university.
Any disabled student studying at a UK university is eligible to apply for a Snowdon Trust grant.
What do you want to know?
Who are Disability Services? Am I disabled?
Registering with Disability Services (you can do this now, even if you’ve not yet decided on Leeds)
