Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA)
We aim to ensure that all our students have the opportunity to fully participate in their chosen course and university experience and encourage students and applicants to inform us about a disability, medical or mental health condition as early as possible. This is so that relevant support can be arranged for their studies and can include liaising with academics, the exams office and other key teams to ensure that all support is in place.
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a Government support package and covers a wide range of conditions. You could be eligible to apply if you have a:
- Long-term health condition including crohns, sickle cell and multiple sclerosis
- Mental health condition such as OCD, anxiety or depression
- Specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia
- Neurodivergent conditions including autism
To be eligible to apply you must be a UK student and on a course, which is also eligible. You can find out more by contacting disability@dmu.ac.uk or wellbeing@dmu.ac.uk. The Disability Team at the university can also support you with your application.
If you are eligible to receive DSA you could receive support towards the cost of lots of things to make it easier while studying at university. These can include:
- Specialist equipment, such as a computer or ergonomic chairs
- Non-medical helpers, autism and mental health mentors, specialist study skills tutors
- Travel costs specifically related to your condition
If you are an apprentice you can still access support and for more information please contact dashada@dmu.ac.uk.
If you are still unsure about whether you can apply this video explains who can apply for DSA, how to disclose a disability, the type of support DSA can offer and the next steps in your application.
If you have not disclosed a disability to the university, you can do so by completing this form or by emailing ssm@dmu.ac.uk and arranging a student support meeting.
How to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance
The amount of DSA available and the methods of application vary depending on the type of course you're studying.
When applying for funding the provider requires formal, written evidence of a disability for them to determine the extra support a student may require when studying at university.
Proof of your disability or medical condition
In most cases, you will need to provide a letter from a medical professional which details your condition and how this affects you.
Proof of your specific learning difference
There are certain requirements regarding specific learning difference diagnostic reports which need to be met to qualify for a DSA. It is particularly important that you check the requirements to prove your eligibility and start your DSAs application before you go to university.
Study needs assessment
The study needs assessment is an important part of the DSA application process, during which your DSAs support is determined. It is not a test of your disability. The types of support it could determine are:
- Academic human support e.g. a note taker for teaching sessions
- Technological support e.g. a computer with assistive software; a recording device for teaching sessions
- Contribution towards travel costs for students who are unable to use standard public transport due to the effects of their disability
- Other support e.g. a photocopying allowance
You must have written permission from your funding provider to have a study needs assessment.
Visit our Centre for Accessibility Needs web page before submitting your application.
Once your DSA is approved
You must keep all documents and correspondence relating to your DSA application as it is likely that you will need to use the support every year of your course.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
DMU Disability Advice and Support
DMU Wellbeing Team