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Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) help eligible UK-domiciled students with the additional study costs that arise from a disability, long-term health condition, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty. DSA is needs-assessed and non-means-tested and can cover specialist equipment, non-medical help, course-related travel, and other disability-related study costs (it doesn’t cover standard costs all students have).
In England, the 2025/26 cap is up to £27,783 per year for support (travel costs are funded separately), with similar schemes run by Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. International students are usually not eligible. If you receive an NHS bursary (e.g., for certain medical/dental years), you apply for DSA through NHSBSA instead of Student Finance.
Single DSA allowance (excl. travel): up to £27,783 per year for all approved support (equipment, NMH, software, etc.). GOV.UK
Travel costs are funded separately and aren’t capped by that maximum (subject to DSA rules).
If a new computer is approved, the student must pay the first £200 toward it.
DSA covers disability-related study costs only (not standard items like ordinary textbooks).
If you are a student from Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland: DSA limits and processes differ, please check the latest guidance from Student Finance Wales, SAAS (Scotland), or Student Finance NI for current figures.
Apply early. If you think you might be eligible, apply before your course starts (or as soon as possible) so support can be in place from day one.
England (Student Finance England)
If you’re also applying for other student finance, start your DSA application from your Student Finance England online account.
If you only want DSA (no other student finance), apply using the DSA1 form (GOV.UK).
Send evidence with your application (e.g., a GP/consultant letter, audiology report, or an educational psychologist/specialist teacher report for SpLD). Make sure to keep a copy, as you will require this later.
When your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited to book a DSA needs assessment. This is not a test, it’s a conversation about how your condition affects study and what support would help. You’ll receive a report, and Student Finance will confirm what’s approved and how to arrange it.
Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland
Processes and allowance caps differ. Please check the latest guidance from Student Finance Wales, SAAS (Scotland), or Student Finance NI for current forms, caps, and timelines
UK-domiciled students with a disability, long-term health condition, mental-health condition, or specific learning difficulty whose condition creates additional study costs. DSA is needs-assessed and not means-tested.
Apart from Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), additional help may be available depending on your circumstances. The information below is for general guidance; always check the latest guidance with the relevant provider
Snowdon Trust – provides grants for disability-related study costs in higher education. Application cycles vary year to year; see Snowdon Trust for current status.
Motability – can assist eligible disabled people lease a vehicle or powered wheelchair. The Motability Foundation also offers individual grants in some cases.
Access to Work – a government support scheme for paid employment that is not covered by your employer making reasonable adjustments. This can provide help such as specialist aids, support workers and travel to work; please note that it doesn’t fund course study costs covered by DSA.
For further personal disability benefits and advice, see GOV.UK.
For wellness appointments, please contact our team via
academics@centralfilmschool.com or on +44 2073776060.
