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Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

DSAs are a form of funding, paid directly to suppliers, that is available to students who qualify for Student Finance funding and have a disability, specific learning difference, mental health condition or long term health condition which may impact their studies.

To apply for DSA you must have medical evidence from a qualified medical professional to support your application. You can apply online, via post or with the assistance of a disability advisor in the Wellbeing Service.

The allowances can help with the cost of a non-medical personal helper, items of specialist equipment, travel and other course-related costs.

You can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) if your disability or condition has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

You must also:

  • be an undergraduate or postgraduate student on part-time ITT student eligible for maintenance support
  • qualify for student finance from Student Finance England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
  • be studying on a course that lasts at least a year

Full-Time Undergraduates/PGCE Students:

  • Specialist Equipment Allowance up to £5,161 for the whole of your course
  • Non-medical helper's allowance - up to £20,520 per year
  • General Disabled Students' Allowance - up to £1,724 per year
  • Reasonable spending on extra travel costs

Part-Time Undergraduates:

  • Specialist Equipment Allowance up to £5,161 for the whole of your course
  • Non-medical helper's allowance - up to £15,390 per year, depending on the percentage of full time study
  • General Disabled Students' Allowance - up to £1,293 per year
  • Reasonable spending on extra travel costs

Full-Time & Part-Time Postgraduates 

  • One allowance, up to £10,260 a year, to meet all costs.
  • This can be used for specialist equipment, non-medical personal helpers, extra travel costs or other related costs

How much you get depends on your individual needs and your course intensity - not your household income. The amounts stated above are maximum allowances, and most students get awarded less.

If you do not live in England you can find out more information relevant to where you live at one of these websites:

If you would like support with applying for DSA, or have questions regarding DSA or other support related to a disability or long term health condition please email wellbeing@stmarys.ac.uk or call 020 8240 4353.

Step 1: application

You can apply online and by accessing your online student finance portal. 

Alternatively, you can apply with our Disability Advisors who can guide you through the process. We will make the application on behalf of current students and are happy to help applicants who have an offer to study at St Mary's.

Step 2: Needs Assessment

After you have applied for DSA, Student Finance will write to you to invite you for a Needs Assessment, so that you can see what is available to you. There are assessment centres around the country, and we recommend booking with our team of assessors at St Mary’s.