Need Support for a Disability or Learning Difference?

If you’ve got a disability, long-term condition, or neurodiversity (like ADHD, autism, dyslexia or anxiety), support is available to help you study more comfortably and confidently.

Support comes in two forms:

🎓 QUB Internal Support (Available to All Students)

These services are offered directly by Queen’s to ALL students with a disability or long-term condition.

• Reasonable Adjustments – Extra time on exams, rest breaks, smaller rooms and guidance on support options if you don’t qualify for funding.
  • 👉 Contact Accessible Learning or watch this guide on how to apply.
• Free Assistive Tech and Digital Study Tools
  • 👉 Visit the AT Hub and explore what’s available.
• Library Support – Book retrieval, extended loans, assistive tech PCs at McClay and other libraries
  • 👉 Explore Inclusive Library Support
• Wellbeing Services – Counselling, daily drop-in, and more.
  • 👉 Visit Wellbeing
• Careers Support – Help with CVs, applications, and inclusive employers.
  • 👉 Explore Careers & Employability

💸 External Support (Funded Support DSA & FSD)

If eligible, you can access additional, personalised support — at no cost to you.

✅ For UK Students: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

A non-repayable grant that covers study costs linked to a disability or condition. See our Everything About DSA guide for more information.

DSA may cover:

• A Laptop & Assistive Tech
• One-to-One tuition and mentoring
• Consumables (Like paper and ink)
• Specialist Ergonomic Equipment
• Travel Expenses

Who’s eligible?

• UK/ROI students in higher education
• With evidence of a medical condition such as Epilepsy, learning issue such as Dyslexia, or any other diagnosis.

How To Apply?

1. Fill in the Form – Get the DSA1 application form from your funding body’s website: (Please note that if you are a Nursing student in receipt of a bursary, please speak to your Disability Officer to apply)
   • Student Finance Northern Ireland  
   • Student Award Agencies Scotland
   • Student Finance England 
   • Student Finance Wales
2. Send Your Evidence – Upload your medical evidence when you apply.
3. Complete your pre-assessment questionaire – An appointment with a DSA needs Assessor will be made for you by the QUB Needs Assessment Centre.

✅ For ROI Students: Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)

Like DSA, FSD covers study-related costs due to a disability or condition.

Who’s eligible?

• Studying in Ireland or Northern Ireland
• With medical evidence

How To apply:

• Queens Needs Assessment Centre applies on your behalf
• You’ll have an assessment to determine the support you need.
• Funding is arranged for you based on the assessment.

More on FSD information page.

🤔 Not Sure What You Qualify For?

We get it — it’s confusing. If you’re unsure where to start, or if you’re not eligible for DSA/FSD, we can help you find the right support. 

• Contact the Needs Assessment Centre 
• Contact Accessible Learning Support
• Visit Everything About DSA

Remember, applying for DSA and FSD can take some time, so it’s best to start early to ensure support is in place for your studies.

For more details, check out Everything about DSA or contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator