Funding for disabled students
Disabled students and postgraduate researchers can apply for extra funding to access disability-related support and adjustments.
Funded support could include:
- equipment, such as computers, printers, ergonomic equipment and audio recording devices
- specialist software and assistive technology, such as voice recognition, mind mapping and screen readers
- non-medical helpers, such as specialist mentors, study skills tutors, assistive technology trainers
- transport allowances, covering the difference between public transport costs and the type of transport you need (for example, taxis) because of your disability
- general allowances, for things such as printing and photocopying materials, fridges for medication.
Setting up funding can take some time, so please apply as soon as possible to make sure your support is in place.
Funding sources
Check what funding you may be entitled to depending on your level of study, your course and your nationality.
All UK students and postgraduate researchers 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).
Part-time students are eligible provided the course is at least one year and doesn’t take more than four times as long to complete as an equivalent full-time course.
How to apply for the funding
Apply through your Student Finance funding body. You can do this before you start your studies.
Postgraduate researchers 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 for assistance.
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.
International 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 for assistance.
Degree apprentices
Likely funding source
You’re 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 assistance.
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
- Student Finance England
- Student Finance Northern Ireland
- Student Finance Wales
- Student Awards Agency Scotland UKRI – UK Research and Innovation
- NHS Student Bursaries (England)
- NHS Bursary Administration Unit (Northern Ireland)
- NHS Wales Student Awards Unit
- NHS Student Bursaries (Scotland)
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 generally provide up to six and a half (6.5) hours of PA support throughout your studies. Support is dependent on staff availability.