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    Disabled students

    Every year, over 100,000 disabled students (also known as students with special educational needs and disabilities, or SEND for short) apply through UCAS to study at a university or college in the UK – including mental health conditions, learning differences, and long-term health conditions. Students can access a range of support to help them succeed with their studies, day-to-day activities, travel, and lifestyle.

    This content was developed with support from The National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP), Calling All Minds, Disabled Students' Commission (DSC), Advance HE, Disability Rights UK (DRUK), LEAD Scotland, and Whizz Kidz.  

     

     

    Disabled students: Researching your choices
    Alongside your research into courses and universities, you may also need to take your individual support needs into account when making your choices. 
    Sharing a disability or mental health condition in the UCAS application
    It's really important to tell your university or college about your individual needs as early as possible – this will ensure any adjustments and support are in place before you arrive. 
    Speaking to the disability adviser, mental health adviser or student support team
    Teams are in place to make sure students get the right support – this guide will help you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
    Students watching podcast on laptop

    The One in Five Podcast

    The One in Five Podcast is a series created by disabled students, for disabled students thinking about going to university. You can listen to the One in Five student panel talking about a range of topics based on their lived experience by clicking the episode links below.

    Listen now

    Preparing for open days and visits
    Open days are a valuable way of finding out about a uni or college first-hand – tour the facilities, speak to staff and students, and get a feel for whether you would like to study there.
    Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
    The DSA scheme aims to ensure everyone has the support and adjustments they need to succeed during their studies.
    Financial support
    Having a disability or mental health condition might mean incurring additional costs (e.g. access to specialist equipment). But don’t worry, there is financial support available.
    Accommodation for disabled students
    If you’re a disabled student or have different learning needs, and are thinking about your university accommodation options, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
    Support with transition to university
    A new start can make you feel excited and nervous – there’s a lot to think about. Our advice will help you prepare for higher education.
    Mental health and wellbeing
    Whatever stage of life you’re at, there will be excitement and challenges. There’s a wealth of resources out there to help you through every stage.
    Students using laptop

    Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

    If you have an existing mental health condition, you can also share this on your UCAS application – this will help you get the support you need to enjoy and be successful in your university journey. Read more about sharing a mental health condition in this blog from Student Minds

    Student Minds offers information, advice, and free mental health services to help students. 

    If you have a disability or a long-term health condition, university life may be more complicated. Read Student Minds' advice on how you can approach these challenges.

    Disabled international students
    There is a range of support available to help you with your studies and lifestyle at university – you just need to let the university know so they can help put this in place.
    Further information and support
    Our useful resources have lots of expert advice for disabled students, to help you get the support you need to succeed in your higher education journey.
    Interested in an apprenticeship?
    Being disabled shouldn’t limit your job or study choice, and apprenticeships can be a great route for you to get into your chosen career.

    This guide has been produced with input from stakeholders from across the sector and with support from Advance HE, with the aim of helping disabled applicants better navigate and understand the application process to university in Scotland.  

    Guide for disabled applicants

    Adviser supporting student with research on laptop

    Supporting a disabled student through the UCAS process?

    If you're helping someone explore their career options or apply to university, we have resources to help you: 

    • Our supporter toolkit offers a step-by-step guide to the UCAS process and does not assume any prior knowledge or experience. The ‘disabled student’ version includes specialist information and resources to make sure you have everything you need to fully support students throughout.
    • Our adviser toolkits for supporting disabled students and supporting students with mental health conditions provide practical tips for each step of their journey. These toolkits assume a background knowledge of the UCAS process, making them ideal for UCAS and careers advisers.