Applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
If a student has a long-term disability, and as a result of that disability they are obliged to incur additional expenditure in connection with their studies, they may be eligible for extra allowances, known as Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). All research council funded students are eligible for these allowances.
Disabled Students' Allowance covers costs relating to additional general expenses, items of equipment, or non-medical assistance during the term of the studentship.
Research councils will consider meeting only those costs that are incurred directly and solely as a consequence of taking up a studentship to pursue postgraduate study.
Research Organisations should undertake the assessment of need and provide costs for the student when they are required. Research Organisations will be able to claim back eligible costs at the end of the academic year by submitting a completed DSA claim form to the Research Councils by 31 October.
Students should contact the Disability Adviser or named contact on disability matters at their Research Organisation for advice.
Guidance and forms can be found on the RCUK website.
Enquiries regarding Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) should be sent to Training Awards Team.