Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): Support for Deaf Students
Going to university or college is an exciting step, but studying with any degree of deafness can bring additional challenges. From following lectures and seminars to taking notes and joining group discussions, students may need extra support to access learning in a way that works for them.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a UK student support scheme that can help eligible students with the additional costs they face because of a disability, including deafness.
DSA is not a loan and does not need to be paid back. The support available is based on each student’s individual needs and how their hearing affects their studies. It is not means-tested, so eligibility does not depend on household income.
How can DSA help a deaf student?
Depending on their individual needs and assessment, DSA may help fund a range of support to make studying more accessible.
Specialist equipment and assistive technology
Students may be recommended equipment or software to help them access teaching and learning, such as:
Assistive listening technology to help access spoken information.
Specialist microphones or compatible technology to support listening in lectures and seminars.
Speech-to-text software or other tools to help make spoken information accessible.
Technology to support note-taking and accessing course materials.
The equipment recommended will depend on the student’s circumstances, existing technology and assessed needs.
Communication support
Some students may benefit from a non-medical helper, such as:
A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
A lip speaker or other appropriate communication professional.
A specialist note-taker to help ensure important information from lectures is captured.
The type of support available will depend on the student’s communication needs and the recommendations made through the assessment process.
Additional study-related support
DSA may also help with other disability-related study costs. In some circumstances, this can include additional travel costs where a student’s disability prevents them from using public transport.
Who can apply?
In England, DSA may be available to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students whose deafness or hearing loss has a substantial, long-term effect on their day-to-day activities and ability to study.
Eligibility depends on factors including the student’s course, student finance entitlement and supporting evidence. Students may be asked to provide a letter or report from a medical professional, or other accepted evidence of their disability.
You do not have to be profoundly deaf to explore DSA. Students with different levels of hearing may benefit if their hearing affects their ability to study.
How do I apply?
If you think DSA could help you, the next steps are:
Check your eligibility. Visit the official GOV.UK website to find out whether your course and circumstances qualify.
Gather supporting evidence. You may need a medical report or other accepted evidence explaining how being deaf impacts you.
Apply through Student Finance England. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply through your existing student finance account or use the relevant DSA application form.
Attend a needs assessment. If your application is eligible, you will be guided through an assessment to identify the support and equipment that may help you.
Wait for confirmation before buying equipment. Do not purchase equipment expecting reimbursement before your needs have been assessed and your support confirmed.
It is worth applying as early as possible, as arranging assessments, equipment and support can take time.
Where can I find out more?
For the latest eligibility criteria, application forms and guidance, visit the official GOV.UK website:
At Microtia UK, we want young people with microtia to feel informed, supported and confident about their future. Understanding the help available can make it easier to prepare for further education and find the right support to succeed.
Studying elsewhere in the UK?
Disabled Students’ Allowance arrangements vary depending on where you live in the UK. If you are studying in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can find out more about the support available through your local student finance service:
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Scotland: Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
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Wales: Student Finance Wales
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Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI
Each service can provide information about eligibility, how to apply and the support that may be available to deaf students.
