Last updated:
10th June 2024
Going on to university
Higher education could be your next step after college, sixth form or an apprenticeship. This means going to university.
If you decide to go to university to continue your education, you will need to think about:
- what and where to study
- how to apply
- costs of going to university
- financial support available
- disability support including care arrangements
Your school or college should give you advice to help you with your choices.
The National Careers Service provides free careers advice, information and guidance. They can help you find a course that will provide you with the training and qualifications you need.
Visit the National Careers Service website.
The UCAS can help you apply for university and find support to meet your needs.
Visit the UCAS website.
If you have an Education, Health and care Plan (EHCP)
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.
Your EHCP will cease when you start higher education or paid work. You can still get the support you need to meet your needs.
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 can find information about Disabled Students' Allowance on Scope’s website.
Other financial support for students
You can find a guide to finance for students on the Student Finance England website.
You can register for student finance on GOV.UK.
Watch short videos about student finance on the Student Finance England YouTube channel.
You might be entitled to extra financial help such as bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds. Find out more about extra money to pay for university on GOV.UK.
You can find information about loans to help with course fees and living costs UCAS website.
Find out about financial help for disabled people on GOV.UK.
Personal care and support
The Disabled Student Allowance only 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.
Find the right course for you
There are lots of universities, with full and part-time options. If you want to stay in education, you can find the right option for you.
