Financial support for students with disabilities

There are special funds and allowances available for students with disabilities. These include:

They are paid on top of the standard student finance package.

The main source of financial assistance is a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Disabled Students' Allowances can help with the cost of:

specialist equipment you need for studying - for example, computer software
a non-medical helper, such as a note-taker or reader
extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability
other costs - for example, tapes or Braille paper

It's available to full and part-time students, as well as those studying with the Open University, distance-learning and postgraduate courses.

You should apply for Disabled Students' Allowances by completing application form DSA1. You'll be sent a copy of the form, and the guidance booklet that goes with it, if you tick the relevant box on your main student finance application – you can also download a copy here. If you are only applying for Disabled Students' Allowances, you will need this longer DSA form instead.