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Funding for Disabled Students
Disabled students can apply for funding support, and the type of funding depends on your course, home country and funding body.
Emergency and crisis support
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Wellbeing support
Our resources page offers support and advice
Request wellbeing supportUK students
If you're a UK student with a disability, you may be eligible to apply for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA). DSA can give you access to important support resources, including:
- specialist equipment, ie a computer if you need one because of your disability
- non-medical helpers such as specialist mentoring, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and specialist study skills
- extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability
DSA is non-means tested, meaning your financial situation doesn't affect your access to it.
Applying for DSAs
You'll need to contact your funding body to start your application for DSA. We recommend doing this as soon as you can so you can get the support you need quickly.
Funding bodies
- students from England: Student Finance England
- students from Northern Ireland: Student Finance Northern Ireland
- students from Wales: Student Finance Wales
- students from Scotland: Student Awards Agency for Scotland
- students from the Republic of Ireland: studentfinance.ie
- students funded by NHS student bursaries: NHSBSA
- students in receipt of Research Council funding: UK Research and Innovation
Useful tips
Apply as early as possible; don't wait until you've been offered a place at university.
Remember that you'll need to give proof of your disability or health condition to the funding body. This could be a letter from your:
- GP
- consultant
- psychologist
- specialist teacher
- psychiatrist
You can send your medical evidence by contacting the Disability Team.
International students
If you're funded through one of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Councils, you may be eligible to receive disability-related support. This can include:
- specialist equipment and insurance
- non-medical help (for example, a note-taker, specialist mentoring)
- extra travel costs
- general Disabled Students’ Allowance
If you're on a UKRI studentship, you're eligible to apply for a DSA during your funded period. For initial advice on your eligibility, please contact the Disability Service.
If you're not eligible for UKRI or other DSA funding, the university may be able to give you funding to cover your support needs. Please contact the Disability Service for further information and advice.