DISABILITY SERVICES

Student funding

This information is also available as Factsheet 10 in PDF format (107kb).

Various funding is available to pay for disabled students’ support needs at University. These sources of funding are available to UK students; therefore, international students should refer to our international applicants page for information on funding.

For details on the major sources of funding for UK students, please review the following:

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is available to all UK students who qualify for maintenance support from their Local Education Authority (LEA). Students may be full-time or part-time (at least 50 per cent), undergraduate or postgraduate, and must show that they have a disability or medical condition which affects their ability to study. The DSA can be used for extra costs incurred in attending the course as a direct result of a disability. The DSA is not means tested.

For step-by-step instructions on how to apply for DSA, please see our guide to obtaining a Disabled Students' Allowance. Alternatively, you may want to read Bridging the Gap: a guide to the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) in higher education (PDF, 684k), a booklet produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

Rate of allowances for 2010/2011 (undergraduates)

Students receiving DSA may be entitled to the following:

  • Specialist equipment allowance: up to £5,161 for the duration of the course
  • Non-medical helpers allowance: up to £20,520 per year (pro rata for part-time students)
  • General allowance: up to £1,724 per year (pro rata for part-time students)

Rates of allowances for 2010/2011 (postgraduates)

There is one allowance to meet all costs up to £10,260 per year for both full-time and part-time postgraduate students.

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Student Funding Office

The Student Funding Office administers grants, loans and bursaries and offers assistance to any student on general financial matters. The Student Funding Office can help with enquiries about the following sources of funding:

Hardship Funds

Hardship funds from the UK government are available from the University to students who face financial difficulties with their living costs for whatever reason. These funds may be made available for dyslexia assessments, or assistance not covered by the LEA. Students should contact the Student Funding Office to find out if they are eligible or to make an application.

Bursaries

Opportunity Bursaries are available from the University and are intended to widen the participation of students who are at a disadvantage prior to entering University. Students should contact the Student Funding Office to find out if they are eligible or to make an application.

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Funding Provided by Other Funding Bodies

Many other bodies funding higher education courses (e.g. NHS, research councils) now have funding equivalent to the DSAs available. You should contact your funding body for more information.

For general information on funding, you may want to read A guide to financial support for higher education (PDF 322 kb), a booklet produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

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