Funding - Information for disabled students
Disabled Students Allowance
Disabled students from the UK, or those who are
'ordinarily resident' or have 'settled status', can apply
for
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). This can help with
additional costs that a student may face as a result of a
disability. Most courses at Regent's College are eligible
under the scheme (check with Admissions if in doubt). Please
note, DSA eligibility does not apply to:
- Courses validated by Webster University.
- Counselling foundation course.
- Acting foundation course.
If applying for a new College course there may be a slight
delay before a DSA application can be accepted, as necessary
validation paperwork has to be processed.
The
Directgov website gives up-to-date information, including this
year’s
application forms and guidance notes:
Bridging the Gap, which students are advised to read. Students
who are applying for DSA only, who are postgraduate or part-time,
should download the full version of the DSA 1 paper form. They will
need to reapply for DSA for each academic year.
Students are advised to apply for DSA as soon as possible and
can apply before they receive an offer. If a student is
applying to
Student Finance England for a maintenance grant, loan or
tuition fee loan then it is beneficial to apply for DSA at the same
time. The student should tick the box indicating that they have a
disability and would like to receive more information. A
pre-populated DSA Form 1 will be sent to the student for
completion. If applying for DSA the student will need
to provide written evidence of their
disability. Students should contact the Disability Officer if they require assistance
with completing their application.
Disability documentation
A student needs to provide evidence of their disability when
applying for DSA. This could be an up-to-date doctor's letter or a
diagnostic report (post 16 years). Evidence for a student with
dyslexia should be a report from an educational psychologist
or a professional with 'Approved Teacher
Status', from an appropriate awarding body (e.g. the
Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific
Learning Difficulties). Applicants are responsible for funding any
professional assessment for a diagnostic report in the
case of specific learning difficulties. The Disability Officer can provide contact details of
suitably qualified professionals, on request.
Erasmus placement funding for severely disabled students
If a student's course includes a placement abroad they may
be able to apply for disability funding. The Erasmus website
states: 'If you have a severe disability or exceptional special
needs then you may be entitled to extra funding to cover associated
costs on your Erasmus placement.' There are strict eligibility
criteria for the Erasmus Programme, which a student can
check on the website. Please note that up-to-date written evidence
of the disability is required. In addition, a detailed cost
estimate is required for the adjustments needed.
If a student thinks they may be eligible for funding, they can
contact Regent's College International Partnerships staff
(responsible for organising placements) as soon as
possible. Staff may need to liaise with the Disability
Officer.
Other funding possibilities
Disabled students (including EU/international students) who are
not eligible for DSA may be able to apply to the Snowdon Award
Scheme. Please note, as applications are only considered at certain
times of year it is crucial to apply by the set deadline. More
information is available on the Snowdon Award
Scheme website.
Page last updated 11/8/2011