Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Financial support

The DRC gives disabled students every assistance to obtain funding. Because application processes can be complicated and time-consuming, we encourage you to apply for funding as soon as possible. Your Disability Adviser will answer your questions about funding and can help you complete applications.

Financial support is available from a variety of sources:

Disabled Students' Allowances

Administered by Student Finance England (SFE), Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
Purpose Disabled Students' Allowances help with the extra costs a student may face as the direct result of an impairment, health condition or specific learning difficulty
Use Specialist equipment and resources, a non-medical helper, travel costs and more
Amount Based on individual need, up to a maximum amount
Deadline None, but you should apply ASAP
Eligibility Disabled full-time, part-time and postgraduate home students. Application involves a formal procedure to determine eligibility

Further information about Disabled Students' Allowances


back to top

The Disabled Students' Bursary Fund

Administered by Disability Resource Centre
Purpose A fund to respond to the additional academic-related support needs of disabled students
Use Equipment and services
Amount Based on individual need
Deadline None
Eligibility Disabled students of the University of Cambridge
Conditions Successful applicants must provide the DRC with copies of receipts for all purchases bought or part-bought with their award, within 8 weeks of receiving the award. Successful applicants must provide the trustees with a written report of how the award has supported their academic study

Further information about the Disabled Students' Bursary Fund


back to top

International Disabled Students' Fund

Administered by Disability Resource Centre
Purpose A fund to support the academic-related disability support needs of international disabled students
Use Specialist equipment and resources, a non-medical helper, travel costs
Amount Based on individual need, up to a maximum amount
Deadline None (awards are made on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.)
Eligibility International (EU/Overseas) disabled students and confirmed offer holders of the University of Cambridge. Application involves a formal procedure to determine eligibility
Conditions Successful applicants must provide the DRC with copies of receipts for all purchases bought or part-bought with their award, within 8 weeks of receiving the award

Further information about the International Disabled Students' Fund


back to top

Snehal Sidhu-Patrick Memorial Fund

Administered by Disability Resource Centre
Purpose A fund to meet the costs of academic-related disability support which is not covered by other funding streams (such as the International Disabled Students' Fund)
Use Specialist equipment and resources, a non-medical helper, travel costs
Amount Based on individual need, up to a maximum amount
Deadline None.
Eligibility International (EU/Overseas) disabled students and confirmed offer holders of the University of Cambridge who have applied for funding through the International Disabled Students’ Fund  (IDS Fund)
Conditions Awards will be considered only for those students whose support costs exceed the funding available via the IDS Fund. Successful applicants may be asked to provide a translation of supporting evidence or additional evidence by the Snehal Sidhu-Patrick Memorial Fund Panel. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their IDS Fund application; no separate application is required.

Further information about the Snehal Sidhu-Patrick Memorial Fund


back to top

University of Cambridge Funds

Information about University of Cambridge funds

Further information about Financial Hardship Support & Access Funds is available on the Student Registry pages.


back to top

The Charlie Bayne Travel Trust

Administered by Disability Resource Centre
Purpose To assist students who face extra costs in travelling as a result of their disability
Use Travel expenses (also for applicant's carer, if applicable) and indirect costs, such as equipments
Amount Up to 500
Deadline 27 May 2013
Eligibility Disabled undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University
Conditions Successful applicants must provide the trustees with a written report of their travels by 31 October

Further information about The Charlie Bayne Travel Trust


back to top

Student Disability Assistance Fund

Administered by BAHSHE
Purpose To help students with disabilities to keep up with their studies
Use Equipment to aid study (such as computer, software and special chair), extra travel costs, cost of helper/ note taker, extra books and photocopying
Amount Up to £500
Deadline 1 March, 1 June and 1 November
Eligibility List of eligibility criteria available on BAHSHE's website (link below)
Conditions Applicants must apply for DSAs, if eligible, and have received the outcome before applying

Further information about the Student Disability Assistance Fund


back to top

The Snowdon Trust

Administered by The Snowdon Trust
Purpose To provide students with the opportunity to access education or training and enjoy a level of independence that would not otherwise be possible
Use Human help, equipment, adapted or additional accommodation, travel costs
Amount 250 - 2500
Deadline 31 May and 31 August
Eligibility Students with physical or sensory disabilities

Further information about The Snowdon Trust


back to top

State Benefit Assistance

For further information about State Benefit Assistance:

Visit the Cambridge City Council website

View direct.gov's Beginner's Guide to Benefits


back to top

Queens' College Enabling Fund

Administered by Queens' College
Purpose To help students who may encounter extra cost participating in non-academic activities due to their disability
Use To cover any additional costs, such as specialised equipment, which might arise from participating in the activities
Amount Applicants are advised to suggest the amount they are looking for
Deadline Termly; applications close each term at the end of Week 5. Please see further details in the application form below.

back to top

ACT Foundation

Administered by The ACT Foundation
Purpose To provide grants to individuals with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for people in need
Use Building modification, mobility aids, equipment, short-term respite breaks at a registered respite centre
Amount Up to £2500
Deadline None

back to top