If you are a student with special educational needs or a disability (SEND) applying to enrol on a course in higher education, it’s important to make sure that you’ve applied for the correct funding.
It's also crucial to ensure that your education provider know what you need in order to fully support your education.
There are many on-campus support services available to Disabled students. Most universities, institutions and colleges have disability co-ordinators and advisors that are on hand to help.
If you have SEND or a mental health condition that may hinder your academic ability, you should contact your education provider to find out what support is available to you as early as possible – even before sending your application.
There is some funding support from the government to help Disabled young people in education.
Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
DSAs are grants that help to pay for support that a student may need at higher education as a direct result of a:
- disability
- ongoing health condition
- sensory impairment
- mental health condition
- specific learning difficulties
Find out more about Disabled Students' Allowances on GOV.UK.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
You can no longer apply for a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you are 16 or over.
This service has been replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You will be able to receive help with some extra costs if you suffer from a physical or mental disability, or a long-term medical issue.
The amount you receive will depend on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.
After an assessment, a professional will work out the level of help you require, and the amount you receive will be regularly monitored to make sure you are getting the correct support.
Find out more about Personal Independence Payments on GOV.UK.
NHS funding
If you are doing an NHS-funded course, you can apply for an NHS Disabled student allowance.
Other help available
Visit GOV.UK to see if you're able to get:
- benefits and other financial help – GOV.UK
- bursaries, scholarships or money from a hardship fund – GOV.UK
Help with travel costs if you go to university in London
If you don't have a Disabled Persons' Freedom Pass, you may be able to get an 18+ Student Oyster photocard to get discounts and free travel on TfL and other rail services in London.
Find out more about the 18+ Student Oyster photocards – TfL