Postgraduate Disabled Students' Allowance

​Find out more about this product including eligibility, application and payment information.

Overview

Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) helps pay the extra essential costs a student might have as a direct result of a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. they must meet the definition of a disability under the Equality Act 2010.

DSA can cover:

  • day-to-day costs of studying that are related to the student’s disability. For example, photocopying costs.
  • specialist equipment. For example, a computer or disability-related software. Any equipment bought must have been included in the report from their Study Needs Assessment. If their Study Needs Assessment recommends that they need a computer or laptop, the student will have to pay £200 towards it.
  • a non-medical helper. For example, a British Sign Language interpreter. This person cannot be a friend or family member of the student.

Students can get up to £26,291 a year for the 2023 to 2024 academic year. Or up to £25,575 a year for the 2022 to 2023 academic year. There are exceptions for students who need more money for travel costs.

DSA does not usually need to be paid back unless the student leaves their course early.