For students

Financial assistance for students with specific learning difficulties

Disabled Student Allowances are available to help students who face extra costs to attend a course because of a disability or specific learning difficulty. Some elements of the allowance are means tested.

Who is eligible for Disabled Student Allowance?

Students, who are eligible for a Jersey student grant at undergraduate or postgraduate level, who incur additional costs as a result of a physical disability or specific learning difficulty are eligible to apply for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)

How do I apply for DSA?

You should indicate your intention to apply for DSA on your grant application form (FE1), by answering 'yes' to one or both of the following questions:

1. Are you intending to apply for Disabled Student Allowance on the basis of a disability or a specific learning difficulty? (i.e. Dyslexia, Aspergers Syndrome)
2. Have you been awarded access arrangements, for A level examinations?  

Where a specific learning difficulty has been identified after you have started your course, you can apply for an assessment, which will ascertain your eligibility for DSA. Please contact the Student Finance Office for more information. 

How do I demonstrate eligibility for DSA?

If your condition has been documented at an earlier stage, a copy of your assessment report submitted for access arrangements in previous examinations should be sent to the Student Finance Office.

If your condition has not been documented in this way you should contact the Student Finance Office who will arrange an assessment with the Education Support Team prior to the start of your course.

If I am eligible for DSA, what will happen next?

A needs assessment will be carried out by the Education Support Team in Jersey before you start your course. The assessment will identify the types of equipment and other support you will need, how much it will cost and where to get it from.

The report will also identify any training you might need to make best use of the equipment recommended. You can also use the report as supporting evidence in establishing special examination arrangements when you are on your course.