If you have a disability or a health condition that affects your studies, our Disability Learning Support (DLS) Team can offer confidential support to help you make the most of your studies. You must register with our team to ensure you get the support you're entitled to. Find out more on our Disability learning support pages.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This funding helps cover the cost of any additional support or equipment you may need during your studies.
DSA is assessed and administered by Student Finance England, and it can be awarded on its own or alongside your other student finance.
For full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply, please visit the Gov.uk website.
Booking a DSA needs assessment
Once you’ve applied for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and Student Finance England has confirmed your eligibility, you can book your DSA needs assessment.
You can find and book an appointment at your nearest assessment centre using the national directory.
For more information about what to expect during the assessment, please visit our Disabled Students’ Allowance assessment page.
If you need contact details for DSA providers or Research Council funding, these are available on the YourDSA website.
How much could I receive?
The undergraduate DSA allowance is simplified into one allowance.
A single maximum allowance of £27,783 will apply to all students in 2026–27 - whether you study full time or part time, and whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate. This applies to both new and continuing students.
Travel costs are not included within this maximum allowance, meaning eligible travel support remains effectively uncapped.
Help with computer costs
You may be able to receive a new computer through DSA if your needs assessment shows that you require one - for example, if you don’t currently have a computer or if your existing device doesn’t meet the specifications needed for specialist software.
If you’re approved for a new computer, you’ll be asked to contribute the first £200 towards the cost. The DSA team will provide full details about this after your needs assessment.
Computer costs assistance scheme
You may be eligible for a £200 grant from the University towards the cost of a new computer or DSA recommended specialist equipment through our Computer Costs Assistance scheme.
Eligibility
To receive this grant, you must:
- Be fully enrolled
- Provide confirmation that you have taken the full maintenance support/postgraduate loan available to you
- Pay the supplier £200 towards the cost of the recommended specialist equipment
- Submit a copy of your receipt
Before submitting your application, if you're an undergraduate student receiving the amounts below, please get in touch so we can check your eligibility.
- £4,013 for full-time students living at home
- £7,039 for full-time students living away from home, in London
You can contact us by emailing [email protected] or by booking an appointment through Engage.
Further advice about DSA
For more detailed advice and guidance about applying for DSA and information about other university disability support, please contact the University's Disability Learning Support team.
Living Expenses Support Scheme (LESS)
The Living Expenses Support Scheme is a university Hardship Fund which can help Home/UK students who are experiencing financial difficulties meeting their living costs.
Find out more on the Living Expenses Support Scheme (LESS) page.
Scholarships
For details on our scholarships, visit our Scholarships pages.