DSA is non-means-tested and you do not need to repay it. It can pay for support to help you succeed at University, relating to your studies, physical access, or well being.
DSA can fund:
- Specialist equipment, for example, ergonomic equipment and assistive technology
- Non-medical helpers who provide a range of specialist 1:1 support professionals e.g. study skills tutor, mental heal or autism mentor, BSL interperter
- Assistive technology training to teach you how to use the software and equipment allocated
- Other disability-related study support, such as printing, ink cartridges
- Extra travel costs.
DSA will not fund:
- Disability costs not related to your course such as personal or social care.
DSA: Find Your Way and UCAS's DSA section are useful resouces to help you to navigate the DSA application process.
How to apply
You don’t need to have started your course to apply for the DSA; you don’t even need to have a confirmed place at university. You can apply as soon as your funding provider’s applications open (usually in February or March).
You apply online, letting your funding provider know you want to receive the DSA.
You should refer to the relevant guidance and application process/forms for your funding provider:
- Student Finance England
- Student Finance Wales
- Student Finance Northern Ireland
- Scottish Awards Agency Scotland
- Student Funding Ireland
- States of Guernsey
- Isle of Man
- States of Jersey
NHS funding
If you are eligible for NHS funding, you should apply for DSA through your Bursary Online Support System (BOSS) account.
Postgraduate student in receipt of Research Council funding
If you are a postgraduate student in receipt of Research Council funding, you may be eligible for DSA via your individual research council. Please contact Disability Advice and Guidance to discuss this further, as the University will need to apply on your behalf.
Needs assessment
If eligible you will then be invited to attend a needs assessment. This is not a test rather an informal discussion. Once your learning needs have been discussed and the barriers identified, the assessor will propose support that could benefit you.
The assessment meeting usually takes approximately 1-2 hours and you can take someone with you if you don’t want to go alone.
After the assessment, you’ll get a draft report listing equipment and other support recommended for you.
What to do if you need additional DSA-fundable support during your studies: If you need to request further support following your Needs assessment, you must contact your DSA Needs Assessment Centre to request additional recommendations.
Please note, if your centre is no longer operating contact your funding provider ASAP to be reallocated to a new centre.
If your circumstances change
If your circumstances change this may affect your support. Please contact your Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funding provider (eg Student Finance England) to advise them of any changes so that they can ensure that your correct entitlement is in place.
Speak to a Disability coach
If you are unable to find the answer to your query on our web pages, please visit our Disability Coaches drop-in during term time from 11am-3pm in the Alsop Building, University Square (no appointment needed).