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Disabled Students' Allowance

Funding to support eligible students with disabilities and dyslexia/SpLD

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) provides funding to support eligible disabled students during the course of their studies. The DSA can be used for:

  • equipment, eg computer, software
  • specialist 1:1 study skills support, mentoring, IT training.

Specialist mentoring or tutoring

If you have been granted DSA support and wish to make a request for either specialist mentoring or tutoring, please complete a referral form.

Funding providers

If you are a student from the Channel Islands, check with Channel Island government to see if you are eligible for any DSA support.  

Applying for DSA

Application for DSA is through your funding body. Details of the application processes for the main funding bodies can be accessed through the links above (see funding providers). 

The video explains the application process through Student Finance England. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about DSA and the application process.

We have created a checklist as a Google Doc or Word document to help you keep track of your application. 


DSA drop-in Monday - Thursday 12:30 - 1:30pm

A drop-in for disabled students who want practical support with applications for. This includes specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia/DCD, attention deficit disorder and dyscalculia, autistic spectrum conditions, and long-term physical and mental health conditions, including practical 

No pre-booking is required - please join any session using the Zoom link provided below.


Google Meet and telephone appointments are available at other times by arrangement - please email DSA Advice.

Zoom Room

£200 contribution towards a computer

Students who are recommended and agreed a computer will be required to pay £200 towards the cost of this. You may be eligible for reimbursement of this through Financial Aid arranged through the Inclusive Support Service. 

Printing costs

Printing costs may be funded through DSA. This will be specified in your DSA Entitlement Letter. If you are eligible to claim back your printing costs, please email dsaadvice@brookes.ac.uk for help with claiming.

International students

International students should contact their home government for information on any funding that may be available to students with a disability or medical condition.

You are encouraged to disclose any disabilities prior to or at the application stage to enable us to help you identify your support needs and ensure you receive appropriate information and advice on how your needs may be met. Many of the arrangements students need are provided by the university as a matter of course and information about these can be found on this website. It is essential that you take into account how you will cover the cost of any additional support you may need while at University.

Apprentices

Apprentices funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency do not need to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance. You can ask us to make a recommendation through the Learner Support Fund for software and specialist 1:1 study skills support or mentoring.