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DSA for Health Learners

If you're disabled, neurodiverse, or have a long-term health condition, you may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance to support your healthcare education.

We understand that healthcare courses have unique demands and challenges. Our comprehensive guide provides clear, step-by-step support to help you access up to £25,000+ per category in funding for your studies.

About DSA for Healthcare Learners

DSA is a grant that funds support to help break down barriers in higher education for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties.

Who is eligible?

If you are a healthcare student with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, you may be eligible for DSA support.

  • You must be disabled, neurodiverse, have a learning difference, or long-term health condition (including long-term effects of COVID-19 and/or mental health condition)
  • You must be studying on an eligible higher education course
  • You must be studying at an eligible institution in England
  • You must be eligible for student finance
  • The support must be directly related to your studies

DSA Categories and Funding

Specialist Equipment

£25,000+ per course

Computer hardware, software, and other equipment

Examples include:
  • Assistive software (Dragon, Read&Write)
  • Specialist computers and tablets
  • Audio recording equipment
  • Ergonomic furniture and accessories
  • Medical equipment for clinical practice

Non-Medical Helper Support

£25,000+ per academic year

Human support to help with your studies

Examples include:
  • Study skills tutoring
  • BSL interpreters and note-takers
  • Personal assistants for study tasks
  • Reader services
  • Specialist mentoring for clinical placements

General Allowance

£2,000+ per academic year

Other disability-related study costs

Examples include:
  • Consumables (paper, ink, batteries)
  • Insurance for specialist equipment
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Software licenses and updates
  • Specialist books and materials

Travel Allowance

Reasonable additional costs

Additional travel costs due to your disability

Examples include:
  • Travel to clinical placements
  • Accessible transport costs
  • Accommodation during placements
  • Parking permits at hospitals
  • Travel insurance for medical conditions

DSA Funding Calculator

Get an estimate of potential DSA funding based on your healthcare course and support needs.

Healthcare Course

Year of Study

Primary Condition

DSA Application Guide

DSA for Healthcare Courses

DSA support is available for all healthcare courses. Each has unique requirements and challenges that DSA can help address.

Medicine

Duration: 5-6 years
Typical challenges: Long hours, complex information, clinical skills, patient interaction

DSA Solutions:

Voice recognition, medical apps, ergonomic equipment, placement support

Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Disability)

Duration: 3 years
Typical challenges: Shift patterns, physical care, documentation, clinical placements

DSA Solutions:

Communication aids, ergonomic support, placement travel, assistive technology

Physiotherapy

Duration: 3 years
Typical challenges: Physical demonstrations, manual therapy, patient handling

DSA Solutions:

Ergonomic equipment, adaptive tools, placement support, assistive technology

Occupational Therapy

Duration: 3 years
Typical challenges: Practical assessments, creative activities, diverse placements

DSA Solutions:

Adaptive equipment, assistive technology, placement support, ergonomic aids

Pharmacy

Duration: 4 years
Typical challenges: Complex calculations, laboratory work, clinical placements

DSA Solutions:

Calculation software, laboratory aids, assistive technology, placement support

Dentistry

Duration: 5 years
Typical challenges: Fine motor skills, clinical procedures, patient interaction

DSA Solutions:

Ergonomic equipment, assistive technology, clinical aids, placement support

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Student Experiences

Medicine, Year 4

University of Manchester
Dyslexia and ADHD
"DSA has been absolutely life-changing for my medical studies. The assistive technology and study skills support have helped me excel in both written exams and clinical placements. I couldn't have made it through medical school without this support."

DSA Support Received:

Assistive Technology (£8,500), Study Skills Support (12 hours), Specialist Equipment (£3,200), Travel Support for placements

Adult Nursing, Year 2

King's College London
Hearing impairment
"The communication support through DSA has made all the difference in my nursing studies. I can fully participate in lectures, seminars, and clinical practice with my hearing aids and note-taking support. My clinical mentors have been incredibly supportive."

DSA Support Received:

Communication Support (BSL interpreter, 20 hours), Specialist Equipment (£6,000), Note-taking Support (15 hours), Travel Support

Physiotherapy, Year 3

University of Birmingham
Chronic fatigue syndrome
"DSA understood the physical demands of physiotherapy training and provided practical solutions. The ergonomic equipment and flexible study arrangements mean I can complete my degree while managing my condition effectively."

DSA Support Received:

Specialist Equipment (£4,800), Study Skills Support (10 hours), Ergonomic Assessment, Travel Support for clinical placements

Ready to Apply for DSA?

Don't navigate the DSA application process alone. Our healthcare education specialists understand the unique demands of medical, nursing, and allied health courses. We can help you access the support you need to succeed in your healthcare studies.

Get Expert DSA GuidanceBack to NHS Toolkit