Wellbeing Services in Devon

Funding your support - Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) helps to cover study-related costs you have because of a mental health condition., long term health condition or any other disability. You don't need to have started your course to apply for DSA and you can apply as student finance applications open. Applying earlier means you can get support in place ready for the first term and focus on your studies.

Most students with a physical disability or mental health condition, long term health condition or specific learning difference will be able to apply for DSA. This can include Postgraduate Researchers though the process may vary slightly.

DSA can help towards the cost of:

  • Specialist equipment (e.g.  assistive software and equipment)
  • One-to-one support
  • Other costs you have to pay because of your disability

Further guidance is available in this downloadable guide to applying for Disabled Students' Allowance.

Following changes to the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) the University of Exeter Access Centre closed on 30th August 2024. For further information on how this may affect you, please visit our Exeter Access Centre page.

Please note: Personal Care cannot be funded through DSA, although Adult Services in your area may be able to help.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us via our Contact Us page if you have any further questions.

DSA Assessors

If you are a DSA Assessor, please see our Information for DSA Assessors page.

Applying for DSA: Step by step

  • Apply online or download the DSA application forms from www.gov.uk, you can also get these from Student Finance, the funding body or Wellbeing Services;
  • Wellbeing Services are happy to provide advice and support you to fill these out;
  • Submit you application to Student Finance or the funding body;
  • Include evidence such as a copy of your Educational Psychologist’s report or a medical letter. 
  • You will receive a letter from Student Finance or your funding body if you are eligible for DSA.
  • Book your study needs assessment (only after being asked to do this by your Student Finance Organisation)
  • This is an opportunity to discuss your study needs with a specialist assessor;
  • They will advise on the support needed for your course i.e. assistive software and specialist support;
  • Student Finance or your funding body should issue a response 2 to 3 weeks after your SNA report has been sent;
  • Your DSA2 letter tells you what support Student Finance or the funding body has agreed to, based on your SNA report;
  • It will explain how to arrange your DSA funded provision and support.
  • If you have received a DSA2 letter that lists the University of Exeter as one of your providers for specialist mentoring or study skills, please fill out our DSA Funded Specialist Support request form to request your support;
  • Contact our disability advisors via the Disability Advice and Support Form to ensure any recommendations are put in place;
  • If you are entitled to equipment, you should contact the supplier directly, details will be given on your DSA2 letter;
  • DSA will normally stay in place for the duration of your studies, providing that you apply each academic year.