How to apply for DSA

Full-time higher education students

To apply for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA), you should contact Student Finance England (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland), the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) or the NHS Student Grants Unit (SGU) if you are receiving an NHS bursary. 

Download the appropriate form from:

• Student Finance England
• NHS
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland 

What will I need?

Proof that you have a disability; you will be asked to provide formal proof that you have a disability, such as a letter from your doctor or an appropriate specialist.  If you have a specific learning difference such as dyslexia, you will need to provide a full diagnostic report and you will most likely be asked for an updated report if the original report was carried out before the age of 16.

Once Student Finance England or the NHS have confirmed your eligibility for the DSA, they will ask you to have a DSA Assessment. The assessor will write a report with recommendations for DSA funding. The University of Northampton is an independent Assessment Centre. If your application is successful, your Funding Body will then let you know what help you can have from your DSA and how they will fund that support.

For further information: Student Finance England or the NHS or contact the Access Ability Team at the University of Northampton.