Disabled Students' Allowances and other grants

If you're a UK undergraduate, postgraduate or EU research council funded student, you may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) to cover some of the specialist support you require due to a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, long term illness or any other disability.

You can receive DSA in addition to other student finance and it does not affect any other UK Government benefits you are entitled to. You will not need to repay DSA. It could help you cover the costs of additional support, such as a non-medical helper or major items of specialist equipment.

We can provide further advice at the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service, email include@essex.ac.uk

Check your eligibility and apply

In order to get a Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA), you need to apply to your funding body. You can do apply before you start your course or as a current student, below are links to popular funding bodies:

Our advisers can provide advice on how to complete the form if required and can also advise on obtaining evidence if applicable

If you are a self-funded postgraduate student, then apply to Student Finance England. Check your eligibility at their website.

Other funding sources

Anybody, including international and part-time students, with physical or sensory impairments can apply for a Snowdon Trust grant to provide equipment and support that cannot be funded from other sources.

There may be some additional support available to International students via the disability bursary, please contact the disability team in the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service for advice at include@essex.ac.uk

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Need help?

If you need any further help and advice, please contact or visit the Student Services Hub who will be happy to assist you.