What is DSA Funded Support, and how can I apply?
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a grant available to students in England who have a disability that affects their ability to study. This could include:
- Learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD
- Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Physical disabilities, for example, partial sight or mobility issues
- Long-term health conditions such as cancer or chronic heart disease
To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate or postgraduate student, qualify for student finance from Student Finance England, and be enrolled in a course that lasts at least a year.
Courses Covered by DSA Funding
To be eligible for DSA, your course must be in the UK and include:
- Bachelor's degrees (BA, BSc, etc.)
- Foundation Degrees
- Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education
- Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Diplomas (HND)
- Postgraduate Certificates, including PGCE and postgraduate degrees
- Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses
These courses must last at least one year to qualify for DSA support.
Specialist 1:1 Study Skills Support for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
For students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD), such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and dyscalculia, tailored study skills support is available. This one-to-one support focuses on developing strategies to help students overcome challenges in acquiring and retaining information, organising tasks, and improving time management.
Support Includes:
- Time management and organisational skills
- Strategies for compelling reading and note-taking
- Research skills and mind-mapping techniques
- Proofreading strategies and memory techniques
- Revision methods and exam preparation
Specialist 1:1 Study Skills Support for Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
This support is designed for students with autism or ADHD, focusing on developing academic and social skills. Tailored to individual needs, the support helps students navigate the academic environment while enhancing their independence and learning strategies.
Support Includes:
- Time management and organisational skills
- Strategies for academic reading and note-taking
- Research skills and planning techniques
- Social and communication skill development
- Guidance for managing academic and social challenges
Specialist Mentoring for Mental Health (SM)
Specialist mentors provide one-on-one support for students facing mental health challenges, helping them overcome barriers to learning. The aim is to equip students with strategies for managing stress, improving concentration, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Support Includes:
- Managing anxiety and stress
- Concentration and time management techniques
- Goal setting and workload prioritisation
- Creating a balanced study routine
- Guidance for managing mental health while studying
Specialist Mentoring for Autism & ADHD
For students with autism and ADHD, specialist mentors provide additional support throughout their higher education journey. This support helps students understand academic expectations, develop organisational skills, and manage their studies effectively.
Support Includes:
- Managing change and emotions
- Social and communication skills development
- Balancing academic and personal responsibilities
- Accessing academic support and navigating course requirements
Specialist Support for Students with Multi-sensory Impairment (MSI)
For students with multi-sensory impairments, tailored support is provided to help them access learning materials and manage their academic work. This support includes advice on making adjustments to meet the needs of students with combined vision and hearing impairments.
Support Includes:
- Planning and structuring assignments
- Accessing research materials and preparing for assessments
- Modifying learning materials into accessible formats (e.g. Braille)
