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Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) may fund equipment and support you need to access your studies. UAL offers a lot of this support already, so you might not need to apply. Get in touch so we can help you decide.

DSAs can pay for:

  • Assistive software
  • Specialist support, e.g. BSL Interpreters and Specialist Note Takers
  • Specialist equipment
  • Travel

Eligibility

You can apply for DSAs if you have:

  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health condition or mental health difficulties
  • Autism

You’ll need to provide evidence that shows you meet the Equality Act 2010 definition of a disabled person. You can ask a doctor to complete the DSA Medical Evidence Form. We can also advise you on the type of evidence you need. Always send copies of evidence, not originals.

You must be studying a Higher Education course to apply for DSAs. This includes full-time courses and some part-time courses.

You must also meet the criteria to apply for funding as a ‘Home’ student. The Student Advice Service provides guidance on the Home, EU or Overseas fee and funding categories.

If you’re unsure whether you can apply, contact disability@arts.ac.uk for help.

In most cases you can access support with your course at UAL without needing to apply for DSA. so we can help you decide about making an application.

Making an application

If you do decide to apply, applications are submitted to your student funding body. You don’t need to have a confirmed place on a course to apply for DSAs. Students who are already studying can apply in the same way.

To find out more and to download an application form, visit your funding body website:

Help with your application

Disability Advisers can offer support with DSAs before and during your course. They can advise about eligibility and offer help with the process if needed.

Please contact disability@arts.ac.uk so we can direct you to your Disability Adviser.

The following students and applicants will need a Disability Adviser to complete part of their DSA application form:

  • Those applying to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and who have applied for DSAs in the past.
  • Those who have not applied to the funding body for other types of student finance, e.g. a tuition fee loan.
  • Those studying, or planning to study, a postgraduate course.

Applying for DSAs may take several weeks.

Higher Education students from Ireland

The Republic of Ireland offers funding similar to DSAs. This is called the ‘Fund for Students with Disabilities’ (FSD). Find out more and check your eligibility online.

Please contact the Disability Service if you’re eligible. A Disability Adviser will need to help you apply.

In most cases you can access support for your studies at UAL without needing to apply for the FSD.

Research/PhD students

Research students can apply for DSAs in the usual way, unless you receive a research grant for fees or maintenance. You’ll still be eligible for DSA funding but a Disability Adviser will need to help you to apply.

Please contact disability@arts.ac.uk as early as possible to request support.

In most cases you can access support for your course at UAL without needing to apply for DSA.

Other sources of funding

State benefits

Some disabled students may be eligible to claim Government welfare benefits. These can cover costs that are not directly associated with studying.

The Student Advice Service can help you find out if you are eligible to apply.

Funding from charities

The Snowdon Award Scheme provides grants to physically impaired students to help them access further or higher education.

The Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired offers financial grants to young people (up until their mid-20s) who have a hearing impairment and are resident in the UK.