If you incur additional expenditure in connection with your postgraduate training because you are disabled, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance.
DSA and introduction
Disabled students’ allowances are intended to help with additional expenditure for the costs of study-related requirements that you may have as a result of your disability. The allowances can cover the cost of non-medical personal assistance, items of specialist equipment, extra travel costs and general expenses.
You are eligible to apply for DSA if your studentship is funded by one of the Research Councils and you have a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty that means you will need additional support to undertake your postgraduate course of study.
How do I apply?
Applications for DSA are dealt with by research organisations (universities, higher education institutions or other independent research organisations that receive funding from Research Councils) on behalf of the Research Councils.
You should contact the disability adviser or named contact on disability matters at your research organisation for advice on how to apply and what information will be required in support of an application for DSA.
A needs assessment may need to be undertaken to establish the level of DSA required.
DSA rates
Research Councils do not have set rates for DSA. However, research organisations disability support advisers, Research Councils and others may find it useful to refer to the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) guidance on DSA as an indicator of the likely levels of funds a disabled student may require.
Further information
Applications should be submitted by a research organisation disability adviser to GPSD@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk.