The first step is to establish whether you are eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance. You can find out more about the eligibility criteria on the Gov.uk website.
Next you will need to submit an application for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) to your funding body (for example, Student Finance England) with a copy of your medical evidence or educational psychologist’s report. This can be completed at the same time that you apply for your normal student finance.
What evidence do I need to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance?
| Condition | Evidence required |
|---|---|
| Disability or long-term health condition | Report or letter from your doctor or consultant - For further information, please refer to your relevant funding body. You can find links to the different funding bodies in the table below. |
| Mental health condition | Report or letter from your doctor or consultant - For further information, please refer to your relevant funding body. You can find links to the different funding bodies in the table below. |
| Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) e.g. Dyslexia or Dyspraxia | A pre or post 16 full diagnostic assessment report completed by a specialist teacher/assessor with a current Assessing Practising Certificate (APC) or a psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC). |
Please be aware that the process from application to getting support in place can take around 14 weeks, so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Where do I find a Disabled Students’ Allowance application form?
| Funding body | Telephone | DSA application form |
|---|---|---|
| Student Finance England | 0300 100 0607 | www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas |
| Student Finance Wales | 0300 200 4050 | www.studentfinancewales.co.uk |
| Student Finance NI | 0300 100 0077 | https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/ |
| Student Awards Agency Scotland | 0300 555 0505 | www.saas.gov.uk/ |
International Students
Although international students are not eligible to apply for the DSA, the University of Southampton offers equivalence of support, including a needs assessment. To access this and discuss in-house support available through the University, please contact studenthub@soton.ac.uk to arrange for a Student Support Appointment with a disability practitioner, if you have not done so already.
Students funded by Research Council
Many Research Councils which fund Postgraduate Research posts fund DSA support. The process is managed by Student Disability and Inclusion in collaboration with the Faculty. To access this and discuss in-house support available through the University, please contact studenthub@soton.ac.uk to arrange for a Student Support Appointment with a disability practitioner, if you have not done so already. Your disability practitioner will support you through the process, including access to an independent needs assessment to discuss your support needs.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Students from the Republic of Ireland can call +353 1231 7100 (charges may apply) or visit the Higher Education Authority's website for funding information. Please contact Student Disability and Inclusion and we can assist you.
If your application is accepted, your funding body will write and ask you to contact a needs assessment centre to arrange an appointment.
Please keep this letter in a safe place as the Assessment Centre will need to take a copy.