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 or long-term health condition, you may be eligible for financial support towards the cost of extra support or equipment you may need during your studies.
DSA is administered and assessed by Student Finance England and the funding can be received on its own or in addition to any student finance you get. Please see the Gov.uk website for more details.
Booking an assessment
Once you have applied for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and you have been notified by Student Finance England (SFE) that you are eligible to receive DSA, you can then book a needs assessment – find your nearest assessment centre.
For more information about the assessment, visit our Disabled Students' Allowance assessment page.
You can find contact details for various DSA providers and Research Council funding on the YourDSA website.
How much could I receive?
The undergraduate DSA allowance is simplified into one allowance for 2024/25.
The same maximum allowance - £26,948 - will apply whether you are a full-time, part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate DSA recipient in 2024/25. It will also apply whether you are a new or continuing student.
The maximum allowance does not include travel costs, which means that travel costs will in effect be uncapped.
Help with computer costs
Getting a computer through DSA
It may be possible to get a new computer through DSA if you’re assessed as needing one because you do not already have a computer or your current computer doesn't meet the required specification for specialised software.
When buying a new computer, you’ll need to pay the first £200 yourself. The DSA team will send you more information about this after your needs assessment.
Computer Costs Assistance scheme:
You may also be eligible for a £200 grant from the University towards the cost of a new computer through our Computer Costs Assistance scheme.
Eligibility
To receive this grant, you must:
- be fully enrolled on your course
- be a Home fee status student
- have applied for the full support available from Student Finance England
If you're an undergraduate student in the 2024/25 academic year who receives the minimum funding amounts or more:
- £3,790 for full-time students living at home
- £6,647 for full-time students living away from home, in London
Before making an application, please get in touch with the Student Centre via the live chat on the Student Hub, who will check your eligibility for assistance.
How to apply
Please complete and return the form, together with your supporting documents in PDF format, to the address on the application.
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 webpages.