Going on to university is not possible for every young person with SEND and some will travel a different path which is right for them.
For some young people with SEND, they might be ready to go to university later than their peers and need support when they get there.
This section will help you know which universities are in and around Hampshire and what support they offer young people with SEND.
Southampton University
Learning and Disability support at Southampton University
Enabling Services recognise that students who have disabilities may have additional needs and require assistance to reach their full potential at the University of Southampton. We support a range of disabilities and health conditions. Find out more information here.
Southampton University
Learning and Disability support at Southampton University
Enabling Services recognise that students who have disabilities may have additional needs and require assistance to reach their full potential at the University of Southampton. We support a range of disabilities and health conditions. Find out more information here.
University of Portsmouth
Learning and Disability support at Portsmouth University
Advice & support for University of Portsmouth students or applicants who discloses a disability or additional learning need.
University of Portsmouth
Learning and Disability support at Portsmouth University
Advice & support for University of Portsmouth students or applicants who discloses a disability or additional learning need.
University of Chichester
Learning and Disability Support at the University of Chichester
Our comprehensive support services will support you with a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions during your studies.
University of Chichester
Learning and Disability Support at the University of Chichester
Our comprehensive support services will support you with a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions during your studies.
Southampton Solent University
Learning and Disability support at Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University's Disability Advice Team provides disability and neurodiversity advice for current students and prospective students (applicants). We can advise on support available at university to remove barriers to learning and enable students to develop as an independent learner.
Southampton Solent University
Learning and Disability support at Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University's Disability Advice Team provides disability and neurodiversity advice for current students and prospective students (applicants). We can advise on support available at university to remove barriers to learning and enable students to develop as an independent learner.
Bournemouth University
Learning and Disability Support at Bournemouth University
The ALS team is here to support students who have sensory/physical disabilities, specific learning differences (SpLDs), medical conditions, mental health difficulties and/or temporary injuries.
Bournemouth University
Learning and Disability Support at Bournemouth University
The ALS team is here to support students who have sensory/physical disabilities, specific learning differences (SpLDs), medical conditions, mental health difficulties and/or temporary injuries.
Read more about Winchester University
Read more about Winchester University
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is government funding that helps students with SEND manage the extra challenges they may face when studying at college or university. It’s designed to make learning more accessible and support independence.
Important to note
What difference does DSA make?
For young people with SEND, moving into higher education can bring new challenges such as:
DSA is extra support to help young people with SEND succeed in higher education. It pays for things like specialist equipment, mentoring, and travel so they can focus on learning and feel more confident and independent. DSA helps by putting the right support in place so they can focus on learning, not their barriers.
What type of support can DSA provide?
DSA support is tailored to each individual, based on an assessment of their needs.
1. Specialist equipment
This helps young people access learning more easily, for example:
2. One-to-one support (non-medical helpers)
This is often the most impactful support and can include:
3. Help with travel
If a young person cannot use standard transport because of their needs, DSA can help cover:
4. Other study-related costs
This might include:
Why DSA matters for young people with SEND
DSA is important because it helps to:
✅ Promote independence
Young people can access tools and support that help them manage their own learning.
✅ Level the playing field
It removes barriers so they can engage with education on a more equal footing.
✅ Support success and wellbeing
Having the right support in place can reduce stress and improve confidence, attendance, and outcomes.
✅ Smooth the transition to adulthood
It helps young people move from school-based support (like EHCPs) to more independent support in higher education.
Who can get DSA?
A young person may be eligible if they:
Optional addition for your Local Offer (if helpful)
You could include a simple signpost like:
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is government funding that helps students with SEND manage the extra challenges they may face when studying at college or university. It’s designed to make learning more accessible and support independence.
Important to note
What difference does DSA make?
For young people with SEND, moving into higher education can bring new challenges such as:
DSA is extra support to help young people with SEND succeed in higher education. It pays for things like specialist equipment, mentoring, and travel so they can focus on learning and feel more confident and independent. DSA helps by putting the right support in place so they can focus on learning, not their barriers.
What type of support can DSA provide?
DSA support is tailored to each individual, based on an assessment of their needs.
1. Specialist equipment
This helps young people access learning more easily, for example:
2. One-to-one support (non-medical helpers)
This is often the most impactful support and can include:
3. Help with travel
If a young person cannot use standard transport because of their needs, DSA can help cover:
4. Other study-related costs
This might include:
Why DSA matters for young people with SEND
DSA is important because it helps to:
✅ Promote independence
Young people can access tools and support that help them manage their own learning.
✅ Level the playing field
It removes barriers so they can engage with education on a more equal footing.
✅ Support success and wellbeing
Having the right support in place can reduce stress and improve confidence, attendance, and outcomes.
✅ Smooth the transition to adulthood
It helps young people move from school-based support (like EHCPs) to more independent support in higher education.
Who can get DSA?
A young person may be eligible if they:
Optional addition for your Local Offer (if helpful)
You could include a simple signpost like: