Answer - Applying to University

Dyslexic students need to complete the standard UCAS application form to apply to the Universities of their choice.

Disabled Students Allowance

They may be eligible to apply for Disabled Students Allowance. (DSA) This is funding which will help with the extra study related costs such as specialist software, software training and study skills support.

It can take up to 14 weeks from applying to get DSA support in place, so it is advisable to apply early.

Diagnostic Assessment report required as evidence.

A copy of a ‘diagnostic assessment’ report from a suitably qualified specialist teacher assessor holding an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) or a practitioner psychologist registered with the HCPC will be needed as evidence of dyslexia. This can be from an assessment at any age. If a student does not have this evidence, they will need to book and pay for a diagnostic assessment before they can apply for DSA.

Booking a DSA Study Needs Assessment

Once the diagnostic assessment report has been submitted as evidence of dyslexia and accepted by Student Finance, students will be contacted and asked to book a DSA Study Needs Assessment appointment to discuss their individual needs. All students need to have this needs assessment even if there are recommendations for support made in their diagnostic assessment report. Students do not need to pay for the Study Needs Assessment.

Ordering software and arranging study skills support

Following the needs assessment, students will receive details of the support they have been awarded and instructions on how to order any equipment, software, and who to contact for Study Skills support at University. The onus is on the student to put this in place – the university will not contact the student unless the student asks them to. Many students do not understand this and fail to get the support they need.

Disability Officer – Student Support Services

Exam access arrangements from school and college will not transfer onto university. So, it is important to talk to Student Services or a Disability Officer within the university to discuss the exam access arrangements which students may be entitled to during their course. University websites are a good place to look for the contact details of the relevant people.

Further information

For more information on DSA visit: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

For more information on dyslexia in higher education visit: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/adults/in-education/higher-education