Overview
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) can help with extra study costs if you have a disability, health condition, mental health condition or learning difficulty. DSA is provided by Student Finance England. It is separate from the support provided by your university or college.
Before you start higher education
The support you get at university or college may be different from the support you had at school or sixth form.
It can help to think about what support works well for you before your course starts. You may also want to talk to your university or college about any adjustments you might need. Find out more about support in higher education.
Getting ready
Before you apply, you may find it useful to:
- keep copies of any assessments or professional reports
- think about the support and adjustments that help you learn
- discuss your needs with your chosen university or college
- apply for support as early as possible
Starting early can help reduce delays when arranging support.
Disabled Students' Allowances and Education Health and Care plans
Your Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan does not continue automatically when you move into higher education.
If you have an EHC plan, make sure you understand what support will be available after you leave school or college. DSA may be part of that support. This should be included as part of preparing for adulthood and transition planning.
Find out more
GOV.UK has information about:
- who can get DSA
- what DDSA can pay for
- how to apply
- needs assessments