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Higher Education

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may wish to go into higher education, and there is support and courses available for students with disabilities who wish to study at University level.

Accessing higher education

By law, universities must ensure that education is accessible for disabled students. Every University must show how they provide support. You can normally view this on each university's individual website and by viewing their policies.

Study programmes in Greenwich

University of Greenwich have a dedicated Disability and Dyslexia team to help students at every stage. If you have a disability, impairment, specific learning difficulty, long term mental health issues e-mail: wellbeing@gre.ac.uk to find out how you can get support. Please click here for more information on the University's offer for those with disabilities.

Open University

What is it?

Fulfil your potential by studying with The Open University. World-leading distance learning that comes to you. The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, which is why more disabled students choose the OU than any other UK University.

Last year we supported around 18,000 such students to achieve their study goals.

Who is it for?

Please click here for more information.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

What is it?

Disabled Students Allowance provides extra financial help if you have a disability, mental health difficulty or medical condition.

Students living in England who are accessing higher education can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if they have a:-

  • Disability
  • Long-term health condition
  • Mental health condition
  • Specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

The amount of support received through the DSA depends on individual needs rather than on income. The DSA is paid in addition to other sources of student finance, and does not have to be repaid.

The DSA can help with numerous costs, such as:-

  • Specialist equipment (e.g. computer software)
  • Non-medical support, such as a note-taker or a reader
  • Additional travel costs incurred due to a disability
  • Other costs related to a disability, such as photocopying.

Information on the application and assessment process for DSA, as well as the timescales for applications, is detailed in the Student Finance England guide.

Who is it for?

If you are a student with a disability, health problem or learning difficulty you can apply for Disabled Students Allowance.

Please click here for more information.