There is extra help available if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, and this is set out below. In order to qualify for this support, Student Finance ni must be satisfied that your disability will mean that you will incur extra costs while you study.

• If you are physically disabled, or have mental health difficulties, you will need to provide medical proof of this, e.g. a letter from your doctor or an appropriate specialist.
• If you have a specific learning difficulty (for example, dyslexia), Student Finance ni will need evidence of this. If your diagnosis was carried out before the age of 16, you will normally be asked to undergo a ‘top-up’ assessment to provide an update on your current performance in reading, writing and spelling.

Before you send in your application, you should check what evidence of your disability will be needed by Student Finance ni. This will ensure that they are satisfied with the evidence you provide.

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)

The Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) is a supplementary allowance available to students who may have extra expenses, as a direct result of their disability, arising from attending a higher education course. The allowance is meant to help disabled students benefit fully from their courses and is not means-tested.

There are four elements of DSA support and the maximum DSA allowanced for 2010/11 are detailed below:

1. A specialist equipment allowance
2. A non-medical helper’s allowance
3. A general disabled students’ allowance
4. Extra travel costs you have to pay to attend your university or college as a result of your disability

DSAs are based on an individual needs assessment to determine the support required for each student and not everyone will require the maximum amounts

Rates are different for part time students. Contact Student finance ni for further details.

For 2010/11 the maximum rates for students undertaking full-time undergraduate courses are:

For 2010/11 the maximum rates for students undertaking part-time undergraduate courses are:

To apply for help through the DSA you must first make contact with the DSA officer at your STUDENT FINANCE NI to determine your eligibility for Disabled Student’s Allowance. You should then contact the officer at your Institution who deals with student disabilities and/or learning disabilities (most institutions have a designated disabilities advisor). This person will make arrangements to assess your needs, arising from your disability, in following the course. The application for DSA will then be made through your adviser to the Board. It must be supported by evidence of the disability (e.g. from a doctor or educational psychologist), recommendations on the form of support needed and costs.

You can apply for DSA during the course as well as at the beginning and, in certain circumstances, your application can be considered before you start the course.

DSA is paid directly from Student Finance ni to you or to the supplier of specialist services. You do not have to repay this help.

For further advice and information please contact the DSA Officer at Student Finance ni.

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) for postgraduate study

For full time and part time students, including distance-learning students, with disabilities. You can receive one allowance of up to £10,000 to help with the extra costs you incur as a direct result of your disability whilst you study. Courses must have an entry requirement of at least a first degree and last for at least one academic year.

Your income, or that of your family, has no bearing on how much you can get. You can apply at any time before or during your course. If the course is part time, you must complete it in no longer than twice the time taken to complete an equivalent full-time course.

You are not eligible for a postgraduate DSA if:

1. You hold an award from the DEL, the Social Services Inspectorate of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) or a Research Council.
2. You receive an award from your university or college which includes support for you disability