If you are looking at higher education options, you will need to consider:
- Entry requirements
- Costs of going to university
- Financial support available
- Disability support including care arrangements
You can access career advice and guidance through your school or college to help you with your choices. The National Careers website also gives additional information and support to help you make decisions on your learning.
Your annual reviews starting from year 9 will include discussions about your future options, which should cover:
- Housing needs
- Education and employment
- Social needs
- Care needs
For further information read our reviewing Education, Health and Care Plans webpage.
Your Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan will end when you start higher education as the funding for your support will come from the Disabled Students Allowance.
If you would like a copy of your EHC plan to be passed onto the college or university you are planning to attend please let the Special Educational Needs team know. You can also take a copy of your EHC plan with you to your university interview or visit and discuss your support needs with the disability adviser.
A university will develop a Learning Support Plan (LSP) or Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to identify your individual needs which should be based on your EHC plan. Universities are increasingly making sure that learning is accessible to all students.
Universities and colleges provide a wide range of services for students that are separate from the teaching arrangements. These include money advice, accommodation, counselling, health and wellbeing centres, careers and employment advice and disabled student services.
Financial support
If you're a student and you have a disability or long term health condition you can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on the UK Government website.
The amount you can get depends on your individual needs and the type of course you're doing.
You can find out more about Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) by watching this short film:
Other financial help is also available for students:
Personal care and support
The Disabled Student Allowance only covers the cost of your study. You may also need assistance and practical help for everyday living. You need to ask adult social care for a needs assessment you can request this any time before your 18 birthday. If you already have a social worker speak to them about getting an assessment.
Find out more on the arranging a needs assessment webpage.
If you are eligible for support you will be offered a personal budget. Read our personal budget explained webpage for more information.
Check with your university to see if there are any local volunteering schemes to help you to settle into university life or go to the volunteering matters website.
Further information
