The DSA provides funding on top of your student finance (where applicable) and is not means-tested – your household income or parents’ income will not affect eligibility.  

It covers study-related costs that arise directly because of your disability – not everyday living costs.  

Support available may include: 

• Specialist equipment, such as a computer, ergonomic chair, or assistive software (for example, screen readers or voice recognition tools). 
• Non-medical helper support, such as a mentor, study skills tutor, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, or note-taker. 
• Study-related travel costs if you can’t use public transport. 
• General allowances for things like printing, photocopying, or other consumables needed because of your disability. 

The total amount you receive per year of study is up to £27,783 and depends on your individual needs, as determined in your study needs assessment. 

Important: You should not buy equipment or arrange support before your assessment or entitlement letter is confirmed, as costs made in advance may not be reimbursed. 

You can apply for DSA if you: 

• You are a UK citizen studying an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. 
• You qualify for student finance.  
• Have a recognised disability, long-term medical condition, mental health condition, or a specific learning difference. 

Degree apprenticeships do not qualify for DSA.  

You’ll need to provide medical or diagnostic evidence that confirms your condition and explains how it affects your study. 

The process can take several weeks, so we recommend applying as soon as possible, ideally when you accept your offer or apply for student finance.

If you’re unsure what type of evidence you need, contact Wellbeing and Disability Support at wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk for guidance. 

The DSA application process can take up to 14 weeks, so it’s best to start early – ideally before your programme begins. 

You’ll apply through your national student finance provider, not through Regent College London. Starting early helps ensure any support you’re entitled to is in place as soon as possible.

Steps to apply:

• Complete your DSA Application Form online via Student Finance England, or download a DSA1 Form if you’re not applying for student finance. 
• Provide medical or diagnostic evidence that explains your condition and how it affects your studies. 
• If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia or ADHD, you’ll need a full diagnostic assessment from a qualified assessor or educational psychologist. 
• If you don’t have evidence, you can ask a medical professional to complete a Disability Evidence Form available from Student Finance England. 

What happens next:

• Once your application is processed, you’ll be invited to a study needs assessment to identify the support and equipment that will help you most.
• You’ll then receive a DSA entitlement letter confirming what support you can receive and the next steps for ordering equipment or arranging support.

The Wellbeing and Disability Support team can help you at every stage – from accessing the application forms to preparing evidence and understanding your entitlement.

If you find you are not eligible for DSA (for example, if you are an international student or studying a non-qualifying course), you may still access other funding or support through the Student Support team.  

We can help you explore: 

• College-based bursaries and hardship funds 
• Reasonable Adjustments available through the support plan  
• Additional mentoring and study-skills support