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Educational Grants and Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

How to find disability-related study funding, distinguish grants from statutory support and avoid scholarship scams.

Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance

In brief

Disabled Students’ Allowance, institutional hardship, charitable grants and scholarships cover different needs. Some pay for disability support, some for living costs and some for a specific course or group.

Apply through official university, college, government or charity routes. A legitimate scholarship should explain eligibility, selection and data use and should not require a fee to release an award.

Start with statutory and institutional support

Ask the disability service and student money team about Disabled Students’ Allowance, reasonable adjustments, hardship funds, accommodation help and emergency support. These routes may be more dependable than a competitive scholarship.

Search by connection

Charitable funds may relate to disability, profession, location, family occupation or course. Use established fund directories and verify the funder’s own site. Keep a reusable evidence pack but tailor the personal statement.

Explain the cost and outcome

State the item, amount and how it removes a study barrier. Separate disability-related equipment from ordinary course costs. Obtain quotations when requested and check ownership of funded equipment.

Protect against scams

Do not pay application, processing or release fees. Verify email domains and never give banking credentials. Ask the institution to confirm unfamiliar awards.

A funding enquiry

Use before completing a long scholarship form.

I am a disabled student studying [course] and need support with [specific cost or barrier]. Please confirm whether your fund covers this need, the amount, eligibility, closing date, evidence, selection process and whether it affects statutory support. I will apply only through the official route and will not pay a fee.

A practical checklist

  • Check DSA and institutional hardship first.
  • Match the fund to a specific cost.
  • Verify the funder and deadline.
  • Never pay to release a scholarship.

Check the current information

These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.

Disabled Students’ Allowance — GOV.UK

gov.uk

Open official information
Turn2us benefits and grants guidance

turn2us.org.uk

Open official information
Work, rights and employment support

gov.uk

Open official information

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Choose one next action

You do not need to finish everything today. Find a relevant organisation through National Help, or save the action you want to return to in your Support Plan.

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HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.