Disabled Students' Allowance
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is additional funding which may be available to meet any additional study-related costs that a student may incur, as a result of their disability. Students with a range of disabilities can apply, including those with visual or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, mental health diagnoses, autism, some unseen disabilities and specific learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
DSA funding can only be used to cover the cost of things that you need directly related to your disability and how it affects your academic studies. It cannot be used to pay for things that all students need, like rent or tuition fees.
DSA is non-means tested, and is an award paid for by your Funding Agency.
More information is available from your Funding Agency by visiting the links below:
- Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
- Student Finance England
- Student Finance NI - Northern Ireland
- Student Finance Wales
Application for Disabled Students' Allowance is open to UK-domiciled students only; the Republic of Ireland also has a ‘Fund for Students with Disabilities'. Students who are eligible for support but do not have access to this funding will have their needs assessed and will receive appropriate support from Heriot-Watt University.
Comparethemarket have created a helpful guide that provides a general overview of Disabled Students' Allowance in the UK.
We have prepared some answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DSA funding:
If you meet the UK residence criteria, are studying at degree level and have a disability, illness or specific learning difficulty then there is a good chance that you could be eligible.
Generally, you have to be:
- A full-time undergraduate student, studying for HNC, HND, a degree or equivalent.
- A full-time postgraduate student, studying for a full-time post-graduate course.
- A part-time degree student, working to at least 50% of a full-time Higher Education qualification.
There are some exceptions to the above. Please contact your Disability Advisor if you are SAAS funded or your Funding Body for further advice on your individual circumstances.