Financial Support for Disabled Students in the UK

Legal Rights of Disabled Students

Studying in the UK as a disabled student will be no different than studying as a non-disabled student since your fundamental rights will be protected and guaranteed by law. Even if you are a foreign student, universities in the United Kingdom are committed to ensuring that these requirements are appropriately implemented and that you have a regular student life.

UK University Support for Disabled Students

We strongly suggest you call your favourite university or institution before enrolling in a UK program to notify them of your needs and to ask them the following questions:

1. Deaf Students: Is it feasible to seek assistance during lectures and seminars? You may be able to seek assistance from note-takers or obtain lecture printouts. Check to discover if audio induction loop systems are available in lecture halls and classrooms.

2. Dyslexic Students: Will I be compelled to take a dyslexia assessment? You may be invited to participate in a dyslexia assessment even if you have previously been diagnosed with dyslexia. This will aid the institution in determining what assistance you require and how they can best assist you. You can request an evaluation if you feel you have dyslexia but have never been tested.

3. Physically Disabled Students: Is it easy to get to campus? Although most institutions have wheelchair-accessible sidewalks around their buildings, certain older facilities may be challenging to navigate.

4. Sight Impaired Students: What types of tests and study materials are available? You may have access to Braille text, tutor recordings, text-to-speech technologies, transcription services, and magnification software. During exams, you may also be able to seek additional time.

Scholarships for Disability Students in the UK

There are several disability scholarships available around the world that provide financial assistance to students with a physical, sensory, or learning disability, as well as a mental health concern. The following scholarships are offered in the United Kingdom are:

1. Disability Grants Higher Education: A list of funding, grants, and scholarships available to disabled students intending to study in the United Kingdom.

2. Flying Scholarship for Disabled Students: A non-profit organization that trains people with disabilities how to fly. You can apply if you are a UK resident over the age of 18, not enrolled in full-time education, and have a DVLA driving license.

3. Oxford Wadham Graduate Scholarship for Disabled Scholarship: This fellowship is offered to students from the United Kingdom, the European Union, and other countries who intend to study for a master’s degree at Wadham College, the University of Oxford (full-time or part-time). Applicants must demonstrate high intellectual potential, and there is no additional application process – simply submit your graduate study application by the January deadline for your course.

4. Snowden Trust Grants: The Snowden Trust, a UK-based organization, offers bursaries to students from any country who have physical or sensory impairments who want to study at a UK college or university.

5. Student Health Association Bursaries: Bursaries are offered for disabled students who were either ineligible or refused the UK government’s Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which is exclusively available to UK students living in England. You must have applied for the DSA and be able to provide the results of your application. You must have started your course before applying for a grant.

6. British Council Scholarship: There are several UK scholarships and Financial Support for Disabled Students with disabilities and special educational needs, which are run by the UK or international governments, charities, or corporations, as well as UK universities, colleges, and schools.

Finally, some students may discover that the tools provided by a university’s disability office, such as note-taking services or extra time on tests, are sufficient. Others, on the other hand, may require more complete services, such as therapy, a place to live, life skills training, and access to a social network.