Disabled Students' Allowance

If you have a disability, mental health condition or learning difficulty and are on a higher education course, you may be eligible for funding to help with your studies called Disabled Students' Allowance. It does not need to be repaid.

Assessment and support

Following your assessment for DSA; you may be eligible for:

  • Specialist equipment you need for studying
  • Non-medical helper allowance e.g. a study skills tutor or a note-taker
  • Additional travel costs as a direct result of your disability

Want to apply or find out more?

Contact Student Finance England, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request forms in an audio, Braille or large font format.

When should I apply?

The application and assessment process can take several months so it is strongly recommended that you apply at the course application stage.

Who should I share the assessment results with?

Following your assessment it is important to let your tutor know the recommendations so that reasonable adjustments can be put in place. If you wish to bring a note-taker or other non-medical helper into College; they will need to contact Human Resources at least two weeks in advance to share their Disclosure and Barring details to meet safeguarding regulations.

What if I am not eligible for DSA?

If you are not eligible for DSA your tutor and lecturers are still able to make reasonable adjustments for you. The College can also loan you equipment such as adapted keyboard, mouse and advise on specialist software and accessibility on PCs.

Do I still need to apply for DSA if I am doing a Level 3 qualification at this College?

Yes, you should apply for DSA as your current support funding does not apply to HE courses.

If you would like to speak to a member of Learning Support; please contact Emily Kopp, Learning Support Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Disabled Student Allowance

Further Information