Funding and Free Support Made Simple
Understand what’s available and how to access it
Start
What is Funded Support?
Funded support means help that’s paid for through official funding, like the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This funding covers extra study-related costs that come from having a disability, medical condition, specific learning difficulty e.g. Dyslexia, neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD/ASD or a mental health condition. If you’re eligible, you’ll get support that’s tailored to your needs, preferences, and course requirements — for example, specialist software, equipment, or one-to-one support. You’ll need to apply through your student finance provider or Disability Officer and submit medical evidence of your condition.
- Any student from Northern Ireland, UK and ROI with evidence of a long-term condition can apply for funding
- Nursing/Midwifery and ROI students apply via their Disability Officer
- International students can access non-funded support through Accessible Learning Services (ALS) at QUB.
Find Out More
Funded Support
Non-Funded Support
Some students can access funded support for disability-related needs through schemes such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) or other equivalent funding routes. These schemes can help cover the cost of: 🎓 Assistive technology and software 💻 Specialist equipment 👩🏫 One-to-one support such as mentoring or study skills 🚗 Travel or general study-related costs Choose your home location or funding provider below to find out how to apply and what’s included.
If you’re not eligible for funded support (for example, no evidence of condition, international students or those without access to a funding body), you can still get help through Accessible Learning Support (ALS) at Queen’s. Accessible Learning can provide: 💻 Access to assistive technology on campus 💬 Advice on reasonable adjustments 📘 Study support and wellbeing resources 🤝 Referrals for mentoring or skills support where appropriate
Accessible Learning Support (QUB)
Northern Ireland (SFNI)
England (SFE)
Scotland (SAAS)
Wales (SFW)
Republic of Ireland (FSD)
Research Council (UKRI)
Nursing & Midwifery(BSO)
Accessible Learning Support (ALS)
Accessible Learning Support (ALS) offers free, non-funded help for any student who has a disability, specific learning difficulty, or mental health condition that affects their studies. It focuses on practical adjustments and guidance to make studying more accessible
✅ No medical evidence required 🌍 Available to all students — home, international, undergraduate, or postgraduate, full- or part-time Not sure what support you qualify for? Accessible Learning is a great place to start.
Find out more and apply
SFNI is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Northern Ireland.
Student Finance (SFNI)
Eligibility (Student Finance NI)To qualify for DSA through SFNI, you must:
- Ordinarily live in Northern Ireland
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (SFNI does not accept working or provisional diagnoses)
- Be enrolled on a full-time or part-time undergraduate course or an eligible postgraduate course
How to Apply
What does it Include?
More Info
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Finance Northern Ireland)
DSASL
DSA
DSA1
Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
Slim Form
Use this if you applied for Student Finance and DSA together
Use this if you’ve had DSA in previous years i.e in an undergraduate course.
Use this if you’re applying for the first time.
Contact Student Finance NI (DSA team) for advice:
Find your local office
DSA Evidence
DSA1
DSASL
SFE is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in England.
Student Finance England (SFE)
Eligibility (Student Finance England)To qualify for DSA through SFE, you must:
- Ordinarily live in England
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (SFE can accept working or provisional diagnoses)
- Be enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate course (full-time or part-time) lasting at least one year
- Be eligible for both a tuition fee and maintenance loan
What does it Include?
How to Apply
More Info
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Finance England)
DSASL
DSA
DSA1
Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
Slim Form
Use this if you applied for Student Finance and DSA together
Use this if you’ve had DSA in previous years i.e in an undergraduate course.
Use this if you’re applying for the first time.
Contact Student Finance England for advice:
DSA Evidence
DSA1
DSASL
SFW is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Wales.
Student Finance Wales (SFW)
Eligibility (Student Finance Wales)To qualify for DSA through SFW, you must:
- Ordinarily live in Wales
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (SFW can accept working or provisional diagnoses)
- Be enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate course (full-time or part-time) lasting at least one year
- Be eligible for both a tuition fee and maintenance loan
More Info
What does it Include?
How to Apply
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Finance Wales)
DSASL
DSA
DSA1
Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
Slim Form
Use this if you applied for Student Finance and DSA together
Use this if you’ve had DSA in previous years i.e in an undergraduate course.
Use this if you’re applying for the first time.
Contact Student Finance Wales for advice:
DSA Evidence
DSA1
DSASL
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
SAAS is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Scotland.
Eligibility (SAAS Scotland)To qualify for DSA through SAAS, you must:
Eligibility:
- Ordinarily live in Scotland
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (SAAS can accept working or provisional diagnoses)
- Be enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate course (full-time or part-time)
More Info
How to Apply
What does it Include?
How to Apply
What does it Include?
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Awards Agency Scotland)
DSA Only Application Form
DSA
DSA Application Form
Medical Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
for full-time students who are not applying for tuition fees and a student loan and part-time/distanced learning students
for all full-time students who have applied for tuition fees and/or student loan.
for medical professionals to provide evidence of your disability
Contact Student Awards Agency Scotland for advice:
DSA Form
DSA Evidence
DSASL
Business Services organisation (BSO)
Nursing and midwifery students are not eligible for DSA through Student Finance. Instead, funded support is provided by the Business Services Organisation (BSO)
Eligibility (BSO)To qualify for DSA through BSO, you must:
- Be a Nursing or Midwifery student
- Ordinarily living in the UK, Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (BSO can accept working or provisional diagnoses)
More Info
How to Apply
What does it Include?
What does it Include?
Research Council (UKRI)
Postgraduate research students funded by UKRI can apply for DSA through their Research Council.
Eligibility (UKRI)To qualify for DSA through UKRI, you must:
- Have a Studentship funded by UKRI
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (UKRI can accept working or provisional diagnoses)
- Available to both home and international students
What does it Include?
How to Apply
More Info
Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funded support for students who ordinarily live in the Republic of Ireland.
Eligibility (FSD)To qualify for funding through FSD, you must:
- Ordinarily live in the Republic of Ireland
- Have a disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty that affects your ability to study
- Provide medical evidence of your condition (FSD can accept working or provisional diagnoses)
- Be enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate course (full-time, part time courses are not eligible)
What does it Include?
How to Apply
More Info
What To Do Next
✅ Gather your medical evidence ✅ Identify your funding body (SFNI, SFE, SFW, SAAS, UKRI, BSO, or FSD) ✅ Complete the correct form or speak to your Disability Officer
We’re here to help
Contact us: nac@qub.ac.uk Visit the QUB Needs Assessment Centre Visit Accessible Learning Support Contact Accessible Learning Support: accessiblelearning@qub.ac.uk
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Step by Step
Apply For DSA
- Sign in to your Student Finance England (SFE) account.
- If you selected DSA when applying for student finance, the DSA application will appear on your ‘to-do list’.
- If it doesn’t, select ‘Change Your Circumstances’ to add a DSA application.
- If you applied for student finance by post and don’t have an online account, complete a DSA Slim Form instead.
Eligibility confirmation
SFE will send you a letter confirming whether you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Needs Assessment
Contact your Needs Assessment Centre to complete the pre-assessment questionnaire. Once submitted, you’ll be offered an appointment for your Needs Assessment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Support confirmation
SFE will send you a letter confirming which support has been approved, along with details on how to order equipment and arrange your support.
Step by Step
Contact your Disability Officer
- Before applying, check your medical evidence with your Accessible Learning Disability Officer and/or the Needs Assessment Centre.
- They will help you complete the DSA application form and provide supporting information to SAAS on your behalf.
Submit Your Application
Download the DSA application form, complete the relevant student sections only and return it with a copy of your medical evidence to the Needs Assessment Centre.
Eligibility confirmation
The Needs Assessment Centre will arrange a needs assessment appointment for you. You'll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software and one-to-one support.
Needs Assessment
Your Needs Assessor will complete the rest of your application form with your support recommendations and the Needs Assessment Centre will send your completed form to SAAS
Support Confirmation
SAAS will contact you with details of the approved support and explain how to order your equipment and arrange any ongoing support.
Step by Step
Contact Accessible Learning Support
If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or long-term health condition, contact Accessible Learning Support (ALS) at QUB. They’ll guide you through the BSO-funded support process.
Provide Evidence
You’ll need to provide medical evidence confirming your disability or condition. Your Disability Officer will review this and confirm what support you may be eligible for.
Needs Assessment
Once approved, your Needs Assessment Centre will help you arrange a Needs Assessment appointment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Approval and Funding
The Business Services Organisation (BSO) reviews the recommendations and approves funding for the agreed support.
Support Confirmation
Your Disability Officer and Needs Assessment Centre may help coordinate the ordering of equipment, software, and one-to-one support.
Types of Support through FSD
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Step by Step
Contact Accessible Learning Support
If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or long-term health condition, contact Accessible Learning Disability Officer. They’ll guide you through the UKRI-DSA funded support process.
Provide Evidence
You’ll need to provide medical evidence confirming your disability or condition. Your Disability Officer will review this and share a copy of your scholarship letter and medical evidence with the Needs Assessment Centre
Needs Assessment
TheNeeds Assessment Centre will arrange a Needs Assessment appointment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
One to One Support
Any one-to-one support recommendations will be put in place by the Register of Support Providers at Queen's
Equipment
Your School will co-ordinate the ordering of equipment / software.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Step by Step
Complete your DSA form
Submit your completed DSA form to Student Finance NI (SFNI) along with your medical evidence.
Eligibility confirmation
SFNI will send you a letter confirming whether you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Needs Assessment at QUB
The Needs Assessment Centre at QUB will contact you to complete a pre-assessment questionnaire. Once submitted, you’ll be offered an appointment for your Needs Assessment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any specialist equipment or other recommended support.
Support confirmation
SFNI will send you a letter confirming which support has been approved, along with details on how to order equipment and arrange your support.
Step by Step
Apply For DSA
- Complete the DSA application form online through the Student Finance Wales (SFW) website.
- If you prefer to apply by post, you can complete a paper application form instead.
- Make sure to include your medical evidence with your application
Eligibility confirmation
SFW will send you a letter confirming whether you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Needs Assessment
Contact your Needs Assessment Centre to complete the pre-assessment questionnaire. Once submitted, you’ll be offered an appointment for your Needs Assessment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Support confirmation
SFW will send you a letter confirming which support has been approved, along with details on how to order equipment and arrange your support.
Step by Step
Contact Accessible Learning Support
If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or long-term health condition, contact Accessible Learning Support (ALS) at QUB. They’ll guide you through the FSD support process.
Provide Evidence
You’ll need to provide medical or psychological evidence confirming your disability or condition. Your Disability Officer will review this and confirm what support you may be eligible for.
Needs Assessment
Once approved, your Needs Assessment Centre will arrange a Needs Assessment appointment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Application Submission
The Needs Assessment Centre will submit your FSD funding application to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in the Republic of Ireland on your behalf.
Approval and Support Setup
Once funding is approved, the Needs Assessment Centre will help you order equipment, software, and arrange ongoing support such as mentoring or study skills tutoring.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Understanding Funded and Non-Funded Support (Quick Guide for Staff)
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Transcript
Funding and Free Support Made Simple
Understand what’s available and how to access it
Start
What is Funded Support?
Funded support means help that’s paid for through official funding, like the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This funding covers extra study-related costs that come from having a disability, medical condition, specific learning difficulty e.g. Dyslexia, neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD/ASD or a mental health condition. If you’re eligible, you’ll get support that’s tailored to your needs, preferences, and course requirements — for example, specialist software, equipment, or one-to-one support. You’ll need to apply through your student finance provider or Disability Officer and submit medical evidence of your condition.
Find Out More
Funded Support
Non-Funded Support
Some students can access funded support for disability-related needs through schemes such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) or other equivalent funding routes. These schemes can help cover the cost of: 🎓 Assistive technology and software 💻 Specialist equipment 👩🏫 One-to-one support such as mentoring or study skills 🚗 Travel or general study-related costs Choose your home location or funding provider below to find out how to apply and what’s included.
If you’re not eligible for funded support (for example, no evidence of condition, international students or those without access to a funding body), you can still get help through Accessible Learning Support (ALS) at Queen’s. Accessible Learning can provide: 💻 Access to assistive technology on campus 💬 Advice on reasonable adjustments 📘 Study support and wellbeing resources 🤝 Referrals for mentoring or skills support where appropriate
Accessible Learning Support (QUB)
Northern Ireland (SFNI)
England (SFE)
Scotland (SAAS)
Wales (SFW)
Republic of Ireland (FSD)
Research Council (UKRI)
Nursing & Midwifery(BSO)
Accessible Learning Support (ALS)
Accessible Learning Support (ALS) offers free, non-funded help for any student who has a disability, specific learning difficulty, or mental health condition that affects their studies. It focuses on practical adjustments and guidance to make studying more accessible
✅ No medical evidence required 🌍 Available to all students — home, international, undergraduate, or postgraduate, full- or part-time Not sure what support you qualify for? Accessible Learning is a great place to start.
Find out more and apply
SFNI is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Northern Ireland.
Student Finance (SFNI)
Eligibility (Student Finance NI)To qualify for DSA through SFNI, you must:
How to Apply
What does it Include?
More Info
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Finance Northern Ireland)
DSASL
DSA
DSA1
Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
Slim Form
Use this if you applied for Student Finance and DSA together
Use this if you’ve had DSA in previous years i.e in an undergraduate course.
Use this if you’re applying for the first time.
Contact Student Finance NI (DSA team) for advice:
Find your local office
DSA Evidence
DSA1
DSASL
SFE is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in England.
Student Finance England (SFE)
Eligibility (Student Finance England)To qualify for DSA through SFE, you must:
What does it Include?
How to Apply
More Info
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Finance England)
DSASL
DSA
DSA1
Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
Slim Form
Use this if you applied for Student Finance and DSA together
Use this if you’ve had DSA in previous years i.e in an undergraduate course.
Use this if you’re applying for the first time.
Contact Student Finance England for advice:
DSA Evidence
DSA1
DSASL
SFW is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Wales.
Student Finance Wales (SFW)
Eligibility (Student Finance Wales)To qualify for DSA through SFW, you must:
More Info
What does it Include?
How to Apply
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Finance Wales)
DSASL
DSA
DSA1
Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
Slim Form
Use this if you applied for Student Finance and DSA together
Use this if you’ve had DSA in previous years i.e in an undergraduate course.
Use this if you’re applying for the first time.
Contact Student Finance Wales for advice:
DSA Evidence
DSA1
DSASL
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
SAAS is the funding body that provides the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) in Scotland.
Eligibility (SAAS Scotland)To qualify for DSA through SAAS, you must:
Eligibility:
More Info
How to Apply
What does it Include?
How to Apply
What does it Include?
Which DSA Form Do I Need?
(Student Awards Agency Scotland)
DSA Only Application Form
DSA
DSA Application Form
Medical Evidence Form
Need help choosing the right form?
for full-time students who are not applying for tuition fees and a student loan and part-time/distanced learning students
for all full-time students who have applied for tuition fees and/or student loan.
for medical professionals to provide evidence of your disability
Contact Student Awards Agency Scotland for advice:
DSA Form
DSA Evidence
DSASL
Business Services organisation (BSO)
Nursing and midwifery students are not eligible for DSA through Student Finance. Instead, funded support is provided by the Business Services Organisation (BSO)
Eligibility (BSO)To qualify for DSA through BSO, you must:
More Info
How to Apply
What does it Include?
What does it Include?
Research Council (UKRI)
Postgraduate research students funded by UKRI can apply for DSA through their Research Council.
Eligibility (UKRI)To qualify for DSA through UKRI, you must:
What does it Include?
How to Apply
More Info
Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funded support for students who ordinarily live in the Republic of Ireland.
Eligibility (FSD)To qualify for funding through FSD, you must:
What does it Include?
How to Apply
More Info
What To Do Next
✅ Gather your medical evidence ✅ Identify your funding body (SFNI, SFE, SFW, SAAS, UKRI, BSO, or FSD) ✅ Complete the correct form or speak to your Disability Officer
We’re here to help
Contact us: nac@qub.ac.uk Visit the QUB Needs Assessment Centre Visit Accessible Learning Support Contact Accessible Learning Support: accessiblelearning@qub.ac.uk
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Step by Step
Apply For DSA
Eligibility confirmation
SFE will send you a letter confirming whether you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Needs Assessment
Contact your Needs Assessment Centre to complete the pre-assessment questionnaire. Once submitted, you’ll be offered an appointment for your Needs Assessment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Support confirmation
SFE will send you a letter confirming which support has been approved, along with details on how to order equipment and arrange your support.
Step by Step
Contact your Disability Officer
Submit Your Application
Download the DSA application form, complete the relevant student sections only and return it with a copy of your medical evidence to the Needs Assessment Centre.
Eligibility confirmation
The Needs Assessment Centre will arrange a needs assessment appointment for you. You'll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software and one-to-one support.
Needs Assessment
Your Needs Assessor will complete the rest of your application form with your support recommendations and the Needs Assessment Centre will send your completed form to SAAS
Support Confirmation
SAAS will contact you with details of the approved support and explain how to order your equipment and arrange any ongoing support.
Step by Step
Contact Accessible Learning Support
If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or long-term health condition, contact Accessible Learning Support (ALS) at QUB. They’ll guide you through the BSO-funded support process.
Provide Evidence
You’ll need to provide medical evidence confirming your disability or condition. Your Disability Officer will review this and confirm what support you may be eligible for.
Needs Assessment
Once approved, your Needs Assessment Centre will help you arrange a Needs Assessment appointment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Approval and Funding
The Business Services Organisation (BSO) reviews the recommendations and approves funding for the agreed support.
Support Confirmation
Your Disability Officer and Needs Assessment Centre may help coordinate the ordering of equipment, software, and one-to-one support.
Types of Support through FSD
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Step by Step
Contact Accessible Learning Support
If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or long-term health condition, contact Accessible Learning Disability Officer. They’ll guide you through the UKRI-DSA funded support process.
Provide Evidence
You’ll need to provide medical evidence confirming your disability or condition. Your Disability Officer will review this and share a copy of your scholarship letter and medical evidence with the Needs Assessment Centre
Needs Assessment
TheNeeds Assessment Centre will arrange a Needs Assessment appointment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
One to One Support
Any one-to-one support recommendations will be put in place by the Register of Support Providers at Queen's
Equipment
Your School will co-ordinate the ordering of equipment / software.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Step by Step
Complete your DSA form
Submit your completed DSA form to Student Finance NI (SFNI) along with your medical evidence.
Eligibility confirmation
SFNI will send you a letter confirming whether you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Needs Assessment at QUB
The Needs Assessment Centre at QUB will contact you to complete a pre-assessment questionnaire. Once submitted, you’ll be offered an appointment for your Needs Assessment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any specialist equipment or other recommended support.
Support confirmation
SFNI will send you a letter confirming which support has been approved, along with details on how to order equipment and arrange your support.
Step by Step
Apply For DSA
Eligibility confirmation
SFW will send you a letter confirming whether you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Needs Assessment
Contact your Needs Assessment Centre to complete the pre-assessment questionnaire. Once submitted, you’ll be offered an appointment for your Needs Assessment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Support confirmation
SFW will send you a letter confirming which support has been approved, along with details on how to order equipment and arrange your support.
Step by Step
Contact Accessible Learning Support
If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, or long-term health condition, contact Accessible Learning Support (ALS) at QUB. They’ll guide you through the FSD support process.
Provide Evidence
You’ll need to provide medical or psychological evidence confirming your disability or condition. Your Disability Officer will review this and confirm what support you may be eligible for.
Needs Assessment
Once approved, your Needs Assessment Centre will arrange a Needs Assessment appointment. You’ll then receive a report outlining any recommended specialist equipment, software, or other support.
Application Submission
The Needs Assessment Centre will submit your FSD funding application to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in the Republic of Ireland on your behalf.
Approval and Support Setup
Once funding is approved, the Needs Assessment Centre will help you order equipment, software, and arrange ongoing support such as mentoring or study skills tutoring.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.
Types of Support through DSA
Assistive Technology (AT) Tools: Software and apps that make studying easier — for example, text-to-speech, mind-mapping, or spelling and grammar tools. Specialist Equipment: Items such as a laptop or study device, ergonomic chairs or desks, laptop stands, external keyboards, and mice — all tailored to your needs. One-to-One Support: Specialist Study Skills tutoring, Mental Health or ASD Mentoring, Note Taking or Campus Assistance, Exam Readers or Scribes. Travel Costs: Help with travel expenses if your disability or condition makes it difficult to use public transport. General Allowance: Up to £150 per year to cover study-related costs like printing, paper, or ink.