Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) are paid by Student Finance England to UK (and some EU) postgraduate students who can show that they have a disability, medical condition or specific learning difficulty which affects their ability to study. (If you are unsure whether your disability, medical condition or learning difference qualifies for the DSA, please ask Student Support.)
What is the DSA?
The DSA is funding for extra costs you may incur in attending your course as a direct result of your disability.
For full-time and part-time postgraduate students, there is one allowance of up to £10,260 per year. You can use this money within your LA's guidelines for specialist equipment, non-medical personal helpers, extra travel costs or other course-related costs.
The amount of DSA you receive will depend on a Needs Assessment (see below).
Who is eligible?
You can apply if you attend a recognised taught or research postgraduate course and meet the residence requirements. Broadly speaking, you need to be a UK national, but some EU nationals also qualify. The Student Support Officer can give you advice about your eligibility.
All the courses offered at the Royal College of Art are recognised courses.
Previous Support
If you had DSA funding during your undergraduate course, you should still be eligible to apply for the DSA now that you are at the RCA. However, Student Finance England will take into consideration any specialist equipment that you received from the DSA recently.
How do I apply?
If you living in England you should apply to Student Finance England. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you should apply to the funding body for the country that you are in. Contact details are given at the bottom of this page.
You must complete the DSA application form. You can get a form from the Student Support Office or you can download it from the Directgov website.
You need to supply proof of your disability, medical condition or learning difference. For example, a doctor's letter or a dyslexia report.
If you bring your completed application and medical evidence to the Student Support Office we can send it on your behalf.
Needs assessment
If you are eligible for the DSA, you will then be referred for a Needs Assessment. This will determine the exact help you need to help you with your course. The Needs Assessment will be carried out by a specialist at an assessment centre.
The Needs Assessment will recommend the sort of equipment and other support you need, how much it costs and where you can get it from. It will also identify any training you might need to make best use of the equipment recommended.
When should I apply?
The whole DSA process can take some time so it is a good idea to apply at the earliest opportunity. If you accept an offer of a place at the RCA and think that you will be eligible to apply for a DSA, then you can do so any time from the April before you start.
Can I keep my equipment after I graduate?
All equipment bought for you with the DSA is your property. You can keep this equipment after you graduate.
What happens if I leave my course early?
Student Finance England may recover some or all of your DSA if you leave your course. They should only ask you to return money you have received for support that you have not yet bought or used.
More Information
The Directgov website
Skill: the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
National Network of Assessment Centres (NNAC)
Student Finance England
Student Finance Wales
Student Awards Agency for Scotland
Department for Employment and Learning (Northern Ireland) (DELNI)