Disabled Students' Allowance
Find out more about the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and how it can benefit students with a disability, who are studying in higher education.
What is the DSA?
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a non-means tested grant for students studying in higher education who have a disability as defined by the Equality Act (2010).
How can the DSA help me?
DSA can provide help with the following costs where your disability requires extra support:
- Specialist equipment
- Non-medical helpers
- Course-related taxi travel, if you are unable to use public transport due to your disability
- Other disability related study costs.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for DSA funding once you have a firm offer of a place on an undergraduate or postgraduate course. You must also qualify for student finance from Student Finance England (you are still eligible for DSA if you qualify for student finance but do not take it).
You will need to provide evidence of your condition.
Disabilities, long-term health or mental health conditions
You will need to provide a letter from your GP or other relevant qualified specialist, or alternatively you can fill in a disability evidence form.
Specific learning differences
You will need to provide a diagnostic report from either a practitioner psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher.
You can find further information about eligibility and evidence requirements on the DSA Eligibility page.
How to apply
Find out how to apply for a DSA.