What funding is available for disabled students?
The main form of funding available to disabled students is the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This is a grant awarded to students to help pay for the additional costs of studying that cannot be met through reasonable adjustments provided by King's.
What can Disabled Students' Allowance be used for?
The DSA you are awarded will depend on your specific needs, and can be used to help pay for:
- Specialist equipment and software
- Non-medical helpers such as one-to-one study skills support tutors, specialist mentors or sign language interpreters.
- Printing costs
- Travel costs
Important to know:
- DSA will not cover living costs, care costs or tuition fees, so it is worth exploring other opportunities for financial support.
- You can apply for Disability Students’ Allowance (DSA) from the March of the year you will be starting your course.
Am I eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funding?
You are eligible to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funding if you:
- Have a disability, long term medical condition or specific learning difficulty (e.g dyslexia) that impacts on your ability to access your studies;
- Are a home domiciled student;
- Are on a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course;
- Are on a part-time course that is not less than 25% of the full-time course equivalent;
- Are on a course that lasts at least a year
What can I do if I don't meet the eligibility criteria for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
If you are not eligible for DSA, you should contact Disability Support. They will be able to explain the alternative funding that might be available to you, such as the university's International Students' Disability Fund.
How can I find out more about Disabled Students Allowance?
You can find out more information on DSA by visiting the GOV.UK webpages.
How do I apply for Disabled Students Allowance?
For guidance on how to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funding, please visit the GOV.UK webpages.
If you're funded by the NHS:
If you are funded by the NHS, you first need to apply for a student bursary, via your Bursary Online Support System (BOSS) account. Once you've done so, you can apply for DSA online, also via BOSS. For more information, visit the NHS Bursary webpages.
Support offered through DSA is determined by the student attending an Assessment of Needs (sometimes called a Study Needs Assessment). Once you have applied for DSA, you will receive a letter inviting you to book an Assessment of Needs. You must have the letter (DSA1 letter) before you can be seen by an assessor.
How can a DSA assessment be arranged?
You can arrange a DSA assessment by contacting Disability Support. Take a look at What student support services are available at King's? for guidance on how to contact the team during this period. If you are able, please send your DSA1 letter to Disability Support in advance.
Support when applying for Disabled Student Allowance
Our Disability Advisers can support you when applying for Disabled Student Allowance; contact Disability Support to arrange an appointment.
Important to Know: Disability Support has a fund that provides additional support to students unable to access Disabled Students Allowance funding. please contact Disability Support for further information.
What happens at a DSA Needs Assessment?
The assessment is an informal, friendly meeting with a qualified assessor who will look at the impact your condition has on your ability to access and engage your studies and will highlight areas that require support.
The Needs Assessor will suggest support, equipment and/or software to help reduce the impact of disability on your study. You might have the opportunity to experiment with different kinds of assistive technology or ergonomic equipment.
What happens after a DSA Assessment?
After your assessment, you will be sent a report by the Needs Assessor. The report will be called a Study Needs Assessment (or similar) and will be very detailed. The report is also sent to the funding body and if you have given your permission, also to Disability Support.
After you've applied for Disabled Student Allowance
I've got DSA, how do I get the recommended equipment and support?
Your Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) will be approved after your Needs Assessment by letter. This letter is known as a Confirmation of Funding or DSA2 letter, and will confirm the support for which you are eligible. The letter will have details of the approved providers of support and their contact details.
Important to know: You'll need to contact the relevant provider(s) to arrange support.
Can I get help to receive my DSA support?
If you are experiencing any difficulties in arranging the support approved in your Confirmation of Funding or DSA2 letter, Contact Disability Support. If your support is not meeting your needs, then you can also discuss this with the team.