As well as Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs), you may be able to secure funding through other avenues, such as:
Grant awarding charities
You can apply for alternative funding from a variety of charitable trusts and organisations to help secure funding towards any additional support or equipment to help your studies.
For further information download our list of grant awarding charities which may assist blind and partially sighted students here:
Other government funding schemes
Access to Learning Fund
If you're in financial difficulty, you may be able to claim extra financial help through the Access to Learning Fund (ALF).
You need to apply for the Access to Learning fund through your university or college. Ask your Disability or Student Support officer for information on this. Also visit GOV.UK Student finance, loans and universities.
Student Grants
If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for a student grant to help with living and study costs. You don't pay grants back. You can apply for a Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant.
Find out if you can apply and how much you can get by visiting GOV.UK Student finance, loans and universities.
Additional funding
You may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance in addition to Disabled Students' Allowances and other forms of student finance.
Further details are available from GOV.UK Student finance, loans and universities.
Government benefits
Most full-time students can't claim welfare benefits. However, if you're registered blind or you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you may be able to apply for other benefits including Housing Benefit,
Housing Benefit can be paid towards the cost of living in halls provided by your university or college, as well as if you live in private rented accommodation. The amount you can claim depends on various factors, including the available income from student loans and maintenance grants (but not the Special Support Grant as this doesn't count as income).
For individual benefits advice it's best to speak with a welfare rights specialist in the student money advice team at your university or college or try your local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can also get advice from the Disability Rights UK student helpline. Tel 0800 328 5050. Email skill4disabledstudents@disabilityrightsuk.org.
Also visit our 'Life skills - managing your money' pages for further advice on benefits, budgeting, debt advice as well as contact information for the RNIB Welfare Advice team across the UK.
Government reforms to higher education
Universities can charge up to £9,000 per year in tuition fees. You can cover the cost of your tuition through a student loan, which you only start to pay back when you are earning over £21,000 a year.
There is also be a National Scholarship Programme from 2012 to help people from lower income households. This is available directly from the university and includes:
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fee waivers
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a free foundation year leading to progression to a professional career
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discounted accommodation or other similar institutional service
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a financial scholarship/bursary.
Further details are available from GOV.UK Student finance, loans and universities.