International students, including EU countries

Disabled Students' Allowance funding is only available to students with UK residence status, i.e. born in the UK or have lived here for three years and have "leave to enter or remain" documentation from the Home Office.

In order to obtain support from DDSS, international students who are not eligible for DSA funding are encouraged to register with us and make an appointment to see our International Adviser. Some services are available at little or no cost, e.g. liaison with academic departments, adapted accommodation, special examination arrangements, some study skills support. Other, more costly support will be dependent on funding. International students need to ensure funding is available to meet their support needs.

Support available may include some of the following:

Direct support

  • Individual meetings with students to discuss their needs
  • Liaising with the University departments
  • Elaboration of the student Inclusive Learning Plan
  • Explanation of the pedagogic implications of the student's impairment and detailed discussion of the support and aids available
  • Academic planning for a year/semester/trimester
  • Regular meetings as part of a coaching/mentoring and monitoring programme

Access to study

  • Special accommodation
  • Parking permit

Exam arrangements

  • Additional time
  • Use of a computer
  • Use of a scribe or a reader
  • Sit exams in a separate room
  • Exam paper in a suitable format (e.g. Braille, large font, coloured paper

Study Skills Tuition

One to one sessions with a Dyslexia support tutor to enhance their skills to become independent learners

Dyslexia Test

Should you feel that you may have dyslexia, you can contact us to book an appointment to see our International Adviser to discuss the possibility of completing the LADS Test. This provides a quick and effective screening for possible dyslexia.
Depending on the results of this test, we may then be able to refer you on to an Educational Psychologist/Specialist Assessor. They would then identify any Specific Learning Difficulties that you may have.


Please note that you will be charged for this assessment.

Your International adviser is then able to create and Individual Learning Plan (ILP). This Learning Plan will be available for your Department to see.