Laptop Loan Scheme
If you need temporary access to a laptop because a disability-related barrier is affecting your studies, you may be able to access support through the Assistive Technology Laptop Loan Scheme.
This scheme provides a short-term laptop loan only. It is intended as a temporary bridge while another longer-term solution is being put in place. It is not a general laptop loan service, and availability is very limited.
What is the scheme for?
The laptop loan scheme is designed to support eligible students who are temporarily unable to access suitable technology for study because of a disability-related need.
This may include students who:
- are waiting for a funded laptop or device through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) or the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)
- cannot reasonably use University computing facilities because of a disability-related barrier
Laptops are loaned for a maximum of 3 months and are intended as a short-term interim measure only.
Am I eligible?
UK and Republic of Ireland students
You may be considered if:
- you have completed a Needs Assessment
- you are eligible for a funded laptop or device through DSA or FSD
- you are currently waiting for that equipment to be provided
- you cannot reasonably use University computing centres because of a clearly evidenced barrier linked to your needs.
Not sure if you are eligible for DSA or FSD?
If you are a UK or Republic of Ireland student and are not sure whether you may be eligible for funded support, it is worth checking this first.
Read our guide: Funded Support Explained: Get the Tech Help You Need
International students
You may be considered if:
- you are registered with the Accessible Learning Service
- you have evidence of a disability, long-term condition, mental health condition, sensory difficulty, mobility issue, or similar ongoing need
- your need has been supported through relevant evidence or a support plan
- you cannot reasonably use University computing centres because of that barrier
Important things to know
Before requesting support, please be aware that:
- this is a very limited scheme
- students must satisfy the eligibility criteria
- laptops are provided on a temporary basis only
- the maximum loan period is 3 months
- extensions are only considered in exceptional circumstances
- the scheme is intended to act as a bridge, not a long-term replacement for a personal or funded device
- laptops are for study-related use only
How do I apply?
Students do not apply directly for this scheme.
If you think you may be eligible, please contact your Disability Officer in the Accessible Learning Service. They will advise you and, where appropriate, make a referral through the correct process.
Applications must be made via your Disability Officer.
What happens if a loan is approved?
If a loan is approved, the process will usually include:
- referral by the appropriate member of staff
- review of eligibility
- a familiarisation and setup session
- signing the loan agreement
- issue of the laptop for the agreed period
- return of the laptop by the agreed date
Important conditions of loan
All laptops issued through this scheme remain the property of Queen’s University Belfast.
Students must:
- take reasonable care of the laptop during the loan period
- return the laptop on or before the agreed return date
- attend any required setup or familiarisation session
- sign a loan agreement before the laptop is issued
Students should also be aware that they may be held financially responsible if the laptop is:
- lost
- stolen
- damaged beyond repair
- not returned by the agreed date
The current estimated replacement cost is £702 per laptop, although this may change in line with replacement costs.
Need advice?
If you are unsure whether this scheme applies to you, please speak to your Disability Officer or contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator in the first instance. They can advise on whether a referral is appropriate and whether you meet the criteria.
