Funding and the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
What is the Disabled Students Allowance?
The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) helps to pay for extra costs students may incur as a direct result of their disability e.g. for specialist equipment or learning support.
Am I eligible for the DSA?
Only UK undergraduate students and who are eligible for the student loan and UK postgraduate students can apply for DSA funding. An adult assessment (post 16 years old) of dyslexia / disability is needed in order to apply for a Disabled Students Allowance. Contact the disability office on disabilities@soas.ac.uk to find out if you are eligible to apply and also how to apply
Going for a Needs Assessment
If you apply for the DSA, you will need to go for a ‘Needs Assessment’. During the assessment, you will have an opportunity to discuss the effects of your dyslexia / disability on your study and to find out about relevant technology and support available.
The assessor will make recommendations and will then produce a written report for you. This report or “needs assessment” is used by Student Finance England to work out the support they are willing to fund from the DSA.
What about international students?
International students are not eligible for DSA funding. However, they can access many of the other services and facilities (tutorial support, library services, loan equipment, counselling etc).
