The allowance is available to cover areas of need for example, specialist equipment and a non-medical helper allowance, this could be a specialist tutor for dyslexia, a sign support worker or note taker etc.
You can obtain further information from your local DSA funding body:
Students from the Republic of Ireland may be entitled to funding via the Fund for Students with Disabilities (which is funded by the Irish Government). For further information about the fund, guidance on making an application and other financial support, please visit their webpage
Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for the UK government disability allowances. However, the College can offer some Study Skills sessions and some basic equipment. It is the responsibility of the EU and overseas students to enquire from their own country whether or not they are eligible for any financial help.
You may also wish to look up the following helpful guides for prospective students:
Evidence of disability or health condition
If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD/ADD etc.) and had a diagnostic assessment after your 16th Birthday, please contact us so that we can advise you on applying for funding (Disabled Students Allowance/DSA).
We can then have the appropriate support in place for when your studies commence. If your diagnosis occurred before your 16th birthday, you will need to organise another assessment.
The sooner this takes place, the more likely it will be that support can be set up for you before your course begins.
For all other disabilities and long term health conditions, you will need medical evidence or a report from a suitably qualified specialist to support your funding application
What should I do if I suspect I may have a disability or learning difficulty?
If you are unsure but think you have a disability, we would encourage you to contact Student Services as early as possible, prior to starting your course or at your earliest opportunity once your studies commence (although this can be at any point during your course).
We will offer you an informal discussion regarding your needs and study at Ravensbourne . Once your course begins, it can be difficult to prioritise this so we would encourage you to get in touch as soon as any issues arise, so that we can get appropriate support in place to enable you to get the most out of your time at Ravensbourne.
To assist you with disclosure and providing you have declared on your application form that you have a disability or learning difficulty, Student Services will contact you by email with a Student Services Checklist prior to enrolment.
