Information for disabled international students

As a disabled international student you are entitled to the same level of support as all disabled students. The term 'disability' in the UK refers to an ongoing long-term condition (over 12 months or likely to last 12 months or more) that has a significant impact on your every-day functioning including academic studies. The following are all examples of a disability:

  • Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
  • Ongoing mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer or Crohn's disease
  • Social communication difficulties such as autism
  • Physical or mobility difficulties such as cerebral palsy or arthritis
  • Hearing impairments or hearing loss
  • Visual impairments.

If I break my arm or have an operation are these classed as a disability?

No they are not. These conditions would be temporary and so are not classed as a disability. Your academic school would provide support for this.

Once you have registered with the service, a Disability Adviser will work with you to identify the evidence we need of your disability, the impact your disability has on your studies, and the support you need. The evidence you provide must be in English or a certified translation.

You will be in a better position to achieve your full potential if you have the academic support that you require. 

What support is there?

  • In discussion with you, your Disability Adviser will write a Personal Learning Support Plan (PLSP) which will identify any adjustments you may require in your studies.
  • If assistive software, such as note taking software, would help you, the University will provide this for you as well and training so you can use it well. In certain circumstances we can also loan you a laptop.
  • A study mentor or specialist skills tutor can support you on a regular basis if you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health issue, or autism.
  • Ergonomic furniture such as height adjustable desk or chair is useful if you have a medical or physical condition which causes difficulty when using the usual facilities around campus.

When should I contact Disability Services?

It is recommended that you disclose your disability to us as soon as possible, preferably before you arrive in the UK, so we can discuss the support available to you, as there may be differences in the type of support you have previously received compared to the support on offer at the University. If we recognise this at an early stage, we can check that the support you are offered in the UK meets your needs.