Disabled Students' Allowance

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

Types of support DSA pays for

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.

If you are a UK undergraduate or taught postgraduate student, apply through your student finance funding body depending on where you live:

You will need to submit evidence of your disability. Evidence needs to:

clearly state what your diagnosis is
state that it is long term (lasting or likely to last 12 months or over)
include how your disability affects you
be as up-to-date as possible
be provided by a medical professional, or an educational psychologist if you are providing evidence of a specific learning difficulty
be written on headed paper, or you can download a DSA Evidence Form from your funding body’s website.

Disability Services can help you with your application if needed – email Disability Services at disability@leeds.ac.uk to arrange a one-to-one appointment with our team.

It can take several months for DSA to be awarded so we recommend applying as soon as you can.

You can apply for DSA even before you have an offer to study or have decided to come to Leeds, or once you have started your studies.

Email Disability Services at disability@leeds.ac.uk and we can talk you through the application process.

Your funding body will let you know if your appplication for funding has been successful.
You will then be asked to have a study needs assessment (an informal discussion about the types of support you would find hepful in your studies).
Your assessor will write a report containing their recommendations and send a copy to you, your student finance body and the University.
Once the recommendations have been approved, you will receive an ‘entitlement letter’ confirming the funding approved and any actions you need to take.

You don’t have to pay DSA back after your studies. It is a government funded bursary which is part of student finance.

You may need to make a £200 contribution if you are recommended a computer.

DSA money is not paid to you directly. The suppliers of any equipment or support will manage the payments on your behalf.