Depending on your needs, support from the DSA could include specialist equipment, software, a non-medical helpers allowance, travel allowance and a general allowance. The amount of DSA you receive will depend on your funding body and on your DSA needs assessment.
DSA funding is available from Student Finance England, Student Finance Northern Ireland, Student Finance Wales, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, the NHS and Research Councils.
Apprentices, non-home fee funded students and Postgraduate Research students should contact us direct by emailing disability-supportservices@nottingham.ac.uk
The DSA can only be used to cover expenditure and equipment costs that arise as a direct consequence of the effects of a disability on your studies. It cannot be used to cover costs that will be incurred by all students, such as standard course textbooks, basic stationery or other course-related costs and reasonable travel by private vehicle or public transport.
For support with other disability related costs, please see other funding for disabled students.
How do I apply?
This will depend on how your course is funded. If you are funded by a UKRI Research Council, we would prefer you to book an appointment with our team.
For all other students and offer holders at the University of Nottingham, there is a helpful guide provided by Diversity and Ability:
Where do I apply for DSA?
I need my DSA application signing by the University, can you help?
If you need help in completing the application form, then fill it in as much as you can and email it to us to complete Section 5. We can follow-up with SFE if your application is delayed provided you gave consent to share when you completed your application. If you need to arrange a DSA Study Needs Assessment, then we can guide you to the approved assessment centre. If you have lost your evidence and have supplied it to us previously, we can supply you with replacement copies. Our policy is to retain your evidence for 6 years after the completion of your course.
How do I find out about SFE funded DSA?
Is DSA the same as a Support Plan?
DSA is funding for assistive technology, equipment and non-medical helper support.
A Support Plan details the reasonable adjustments the University of Nottingham will put in place for teaching and assessments.
I already have DSA, but I need to update it, how do I do this?
Is there DSA for Postgraduate Research students?
Yes, there is DSA funding for all PGRs.
Some PGR students are still eligible for DSA through Student Finance, but others can apply through us for a continuation of their support, or new support.
If you have never had DSA before, and are confused about what it might mean for you, don’t worry – we would be happy to have a conversation about how it might benefit you.