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Disability support in higher education

Universities and colleges are increasingly aware of the needs of students with disabilities and students with specific learning difficulties. They can provide support in a number of ways – and you may be able to get extra financial help.

What is higher education?

Higher education is the next step on from further education. Studying at university or college, you'll work towards one of a range of qualifications such as a degree - for example, a BA or BSc - foundation degree, or a diploma/certificate of higher education.

You can go into higher education at any age but many people enter when they around 18 years old.

There's a lot to consider if you're planning to go into higher education, and as a student with disabilities you'll need to give plenty of thought to:

  • where to study
  • the support you may need while studying
  • support with day-to-day living
  • money and funding

For general information on university and higher education, see the general 'education, learning and skills' section of nidirect.

Where to study

Universities and higher education colleges have an obligation to make provision for students with disabilities. Each university or college should publish a Disability Statement setting out how it provides support. You can ask to see a copy of this statement, as well as looking on their website to see details of their policies.

Support provided by colleges and universities could include:

  • accommodation adapted for the needs of students with disabilities
  • professional care staff
  • assistance from volunteers

Every university or college has a Disability Advisor or Learning Support Coordinator to help you get the most out of your time in higher education. They can tell you about the support available - for example, equipment to help you study. When applying to a university, you don't have to tell them about your disability - but you'd need to do so to get any additional support or funding.

You may find it useful to contact your university or college's disability adviser or disability coordinator before you make a final decision about where to study. It's also a good idea to go and check the institution out for yourself.

Support while you're studying

There are many things universities can do to help students with disabilities, including:

  • providing course materials in Braille and other accessible formats
  • ensuring buildings and facilities are accessible
  • encouraging flexible teaching methods
  • providing support during exams
  • allowing additional time to complete courses

You may also need assistance on a day-to-day basis to help you study. This could be someone to:

  • interpret words into sign language
  • take notes for you
  • write down your words - for example, in an exam
  • help you overcome physical barriers

It's worth contacting your disability advisor or disability co-ordinator soon after you arrive at university or college so you can find out about the support available.

Disabled Students' Allowances and other financial help

If you have a disability you may be entitled to extra financial help towards the costs of the following:

  • specialist equipment
  • non-medical helpers
  • extra travel costs
  • other extra course-related costs due to your disability

Disabilties covered include long-term illnesses, mental-health conditions or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

If you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowances, they’re paid on top of any standard student support you get. They are not means-tested, and you don’t have to pay them back.

Further help and advice

If you are currently in further education, you can get advice and guidance from your teacher or college about the courses, colleges or universities you are interested in.

There's plenty of useful information on all aspects of student life available through Skill: the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. As well as a website, Skill runs a free helpline: