Going on to university

Higher education could be your next step after college, sixth form or an apprenticeship. 

If you want to go to university, the UCAS website tells you how to apply and find support to meet your needs.

Visit the UCAS website.

If you have an Education, Health and care Plan (EHCP)

Your EHCP will cease when you start higher education or paid work. You can still get the support you need to meet your needs.

You can give a copy of your EHCP to the university you are planning to attend. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information and Advice Service (SENDIASS ) can help you with this.

Find out more on the SENDIASS website.

Support from the university

A university will use your EHCP to develop a Learning Support Plan (LSP) or Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to identify your needs and how they should be met.

Universities provide a wide range of services for students including:

• managing money
• finding somewhere to live while at university
• counselling if you need to talk to someone
• health and wellbeing centres
• careers and employment advice
• disabled student services

Visit the universities' websites to find out what support they provide.

Financial support

If you are a student with a learning disability or long-term health condition, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

DSA can help you buy any specialist equipment or support needed to meet your needs while you study.

Find out more on GOV.UK about Disabled students allowance.

You might also be able to get financial help such as bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds. Find out more about extra money to pay for university on GOV.UK.

Personal care and support

The Disabled Student Allowance covers your course fees.

You may also need help with everyday living. You can contact adult social care and ask them for a needs assessment. You can ask them any time after you turn 18. If you already have a social worker, ask them about getting an assessment.

Find out more about requesting an adult social care needs assessment.