DSA Application Information

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are funds that disabled students can apply for to give them the extra financial support they need whilst studying. The allowance is divided into four components:

Equipment Allowance: this can cover hardware (computer, laptop, printer), assistive software (text-to-speech, speech-to-text, mind-mapping), ergonomic equipment (chairs, adjustable desks, wrist rests) or any other physical item that may be required to assist with accessing your course.

Non-Medical Helper Allowance: this is for human support and can cover specialist skills support, mentors, BSL interpreters etc.

General Allowance: this can cover consumables and other items not covered by the other allowances.

Travel Allowance: this can cover the additional costs in travelling between a student’s term-time address and the university campus which are incurred due to disability. For example, if you need to use a taxi instead of a bus then this allowance will reimburse the difference in cost.

The DSA does not cover costs that all students on your course incur, or costs that you would incur if you were not studying. It can only cover costs that you incur as a result of your disability in accessing your course.

The DSAs are attached to the course you are studying. If you complete the course and decide to take up another course you can apply for DSAs for that course.

The funding does not affect any other benefits you may receive.

For further details of the DSAs regulations click HERE and download the ‘Bridging the Gap’ document.

The Cambridge ACCESS Centre will find the right solutions to allow you to reach your true potential on your course.

Please note: You should complete the DSA Pre-assessment Form prior the appointment. This is to help the assessor gain more knowledge about you before your assessment. Please click on your preferred format to download the form: MS WORD or PDF

“Excellent, friendly member of your assessment team put me immediately at ease and I felt that I was treated in a dignified and respected manner.”
“I was expecting to have to wait for an appointment but they were able to offer me one within a few days which was great. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The assessor who carried out my assessment was great; he took time to talk to me about what I was looking for and what would be most appropriate for me.”
“Everything about my experience with Cambridge Access Centre has been exceptional. High technical know-how combined with friendly and genuine customer service. What more could you ask for?”
“The assessment was carried out in a very sensitive and professional way. The process was very quick, easy to set up. Very pleased.”
“I am really pleased with the outcome of my assessment. The assessor was really helpful, polite and friendly. It was nice to learn that there is so much support out there and I wish I’d looked into these years ago. Many thanks.”