Funding for disabled students

Disabled students and postgraduate researchers can apply for extra funding to access disability-related support and adjustments, e.g.:

  • Equipment: computers, printers, ergonomic equipment, audio recording devices.
  • Specialist software and assistive technology: voice recognition, mind mapping, screen readers.
  • Non-medical helpers: specialist mentors, study skills tutors, assistive technology trainers.
  • Transport allowances: covers the difference between public transport costs and the type of transport you need (e.g. taxis) because of your disability.
  • General allowances: printing and photocopying materials, fridges for medication.

Setting up funding can take some time, so consider applying as soon as possible to make sure your support is in place for you.


Disabled Students’ Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government bursary that can fund additional support for your studies.

Eligible students:

  • Full-time and part-time UK undergraduate students
  • UK taught postgraduate researchers
  • UK postgraduate research students not funded by a research council

How to apply for DSA

Apply through your student finance funding body: 


Other funding sources:

Check what funding you may be entitled to depending on your level of study, your course and your nationality:

UK undergraduate students
Taught postgraduate students
Research postgraduates not funded by a research council

Likely funding source

Disabled Students’ Allowance provided by one of the main Student Finance funding bodies (e.g. Student Finance England).

How to apply for the funding

Apply through your Student Finance funding body. You can do this before you start your studies.

Part-time students – except home (UK) undergraduates

Likely funding source

There is likely to be funding available but the provider will vary.   

How to apply for the funding  

Talk to your Disability Coordinator and they will assist you further.

Undergraduate students and postgraduate researchers doing placements abroad

This includes study, work, volunteering and internships abroad, summer schools, medical electives and postgraduate research placements.

Likely funding source

There is likely to be funding available from the Turing Scheme which can offer support with living costs, travel costs and disability-related costs   

How to apply for the funding

See the Turing Scheme page for information on how to apply.

Postgraduate students funded by a research council

Likely funding source

Disabled Students’ Allowance provided by your research council.

How to apply for the funding

Talk to your Disability Coordinator and they will assist you further.

International and EU students

Likely funding source

There is likely to be funding available but the provider will vary.

How to apply for the funding

Talk to your Disability Coordinator and they will assist you further.

Degree apprentices

Likely funding source

You are not eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance but funding is available as part of your apprenticeship.

How to apply for the funding

Talk to your Disability Coordinator for more information.

Students funded by the NHS

Likely funding source

Disabled Students’ Allowance provided by your NHS funding body.

How to apply for the funding

Apply through your NHS funding body.


Funding bodies


Disabled Students’ Access Fund

The Disabled Students’ Access Fund covers short-term personal assistant (PA) support for non-academic activities where no other funding is available.

This might include:

  • support registering with essential facilities such as a bank or a doctor’s surgery
  • providing someone to accompany you to an on-campus club or society for the first time
  • support with participating in an activity that is relevant to your course of study where reasonable adjustments by the provider will not fully address your needs.

To apply for this funding, complete the Disabled Students’ Access Fund form.

Please submit your request at least seven working days in advance of the event if possible.

We can provide up to 6.5 hours of PA support throughout your studies. Support is dependent on staff availability.

Fees and funding