Study abroad scholarships for students with disabilities – finding a programme and funding
Studying is a time of self-discovery: dreaming big, learning your strengths, and testing your limits. As a student with a disability or chronic condition, you naturally want to make the most of it, just like your peers. Nevertheless, when you hear others talking about going abroad, all kinds of questions pop up in your head. From “Is this exchange right for me?” to “How would I finance it?” – each one is a tough nut to crack. That’s why it is so important to be informed. In this article, you’ll find an overview of programmes enabling UK students to go abroad as well as an extensive list of relevant scholarships. All the following schemes aim at making international education more accessible and provide a variety of inclusive measures.
Contents:
- Study abroad grants for students with disabilities
- Widening access principle
- What do they usually cover?
- Who qualifies?
- Popular programmes
- Turing Scheme
- Taith Scheme
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Lesser known opportunities and scholarships
- DAAD
- Scholarships and bursaries funded by British Universities
- Study abroad grants – 5 tips for a successful application
Study abroad grants for students with disabilities
When it comes to student support, embracing diversity has become a required standard. However, what does this actually mean? We briefly discuss the concept of widening access and then provide details about exchange programme costs and eligibility for scholarships.
Widening access and outward mobility
Along your educational path, you’ve probably come across phrases like “widening access” or “widening participation” often enough. The question is what do these terms actually mean? As a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the United Kingdom aims to pursue and implement the objectives of the so-called Bologna Process. A very important one is granting students from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups equal access to outward mobility.
It means that while enrolled at a UK university, you’re likely to receive support for studying abroad that is tailored to your individual needs.
International scholarships for students with disabilities: what do they cover?
Depending on the specific programme and scholarship, you may receive full or partial support towards the following costs:
- tuition fees
- accommodation
- travel expenses
- insurance
- living costs
- study materials
Additionally, most schemes will cover 100% of expenses directly related to your needs, such as:
- pre-visits and accessibility assessment on campus
- specialised training and preparation workshops
- accessibility modifications
- personal assistance
- assistive technology
- medical treatments and services
- mental health support
Eligibility criteria: who qualifies for special educational needs support?
Medical diagnosis and documentation: you need to declare your health conditions and provide documentation showing the impact that they have on your learning abilities.
Enrolment in the UK: the applicants should study in an accredited higher education institution (e.g. university, college, or vocational school) and work towards a recognised degree. Many programmes require an application via an institution and do not accept individual submissions.
Nationality: while some bursaries are restricted to UK nationals or residents, others are open to all.
Academic achievements: even though many support programmes focus more on health and financial criteria, excellent university grades can help you stand out from the crowd.
Personal interests and ambitions: showing an authentic motivation to use international experience for your unique study goals can compensate for other challenges
Popular Programmes
Those who wish to take part in an exchange programme in Europe usually apply to one of the following programmes: the Turing Scheme, Taith Funding, or Erasmus Mundus. Combined, they send abroad approximately 45,000 British students per year. Below you will find the most important information about the schemes’ application process, funding options and widening access measures.
Click on the buttons to find out more about the following programmes:
Turing Scheme
Launched by the UK government in 2021, the Turing Scheme is named after an iconic British mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing. As the largest domestic global mobility programme, it provides funding for university and work placements in Europe and beyond. One of its most important objectives is to enable equal access to all eligible students, including those with disabilities and other health conditions.
Who is eligible?
- Any higher education provider that has been officially registered in the UK.
- Participants must be enrolled in courses leading to a recognised academic degree.
- UK nationality is not a requirement.
Funding
- Administrative costs: £315 for the first 100 participants, and after that £180.
- Travel grants for students from disadvantaged backgrounds: £20-£1360, depending on the distance.
- Cost-of-living scholarships are calculated monthly:
- Placements lasting from 4 to 8 weeks: £480-545 per month.
- Placements lasting from 9 weeks to 12 months: £335-380 per month.
- Participants from disadvantaged backgrounds may receive an extra £110 a month.
- Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND):
- 100% coverage of costs directly related to their additional needs.
- Extra funding for pre-visits allowing for risk assessment (up to 3 days).
Application deadline: April
More info: turing-scheme.org.uk
Taith Funding for Higher Education
In February 2022 the Welsh Government launched its own bilateral international learning programme, named ‘Taith,’ which translates to ‘journey’ in Welsh. The scheme has been allocated £65 million in funding with the aim of facilitating inward and outward mobilities for 25,000 students and staff by 2026. Apart from promoting the Welsh language and culture abroad and helping students gain intercultural experiences, it also aims to address any additional barriers participants may face in accessing international exchange opportunities.
Who is eligible?
- Any Welsh higher education institution (HEI), including universities and colleges.
- Applications must be made through institutions, not directly by students.
- Participants do not need to be UK nationals.
Funding
- Students receive daily support, depending on the country and the duration of their stay:
- First two weeks: £22 – £26
- Two to eight weeks: £14 – £18
- Eight to 12 months: £11 – £14
- Travel grants based on host country distance: £150 – £700
- ‘green top-up’ is available for choosing low-emission means of transport.
- Additional funding for students with disabilities or extra learning needs, covering 100% of necessary adjustments’ costs, such as:
- preparatory visits
- additional staff members
- equipment/adjustments/resources on site
Application deadline: August
More info: taith.wales
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)
Since 2021, the UK is no longer an associated third country, meaning that most of the Erasmus+ projects have ceased operations. The exception is EMJM, which enables academic cooperation between EU and non-EU countries.
Who is eligible?
- Bachelor’s degree holders from all over the world.
- Those who are seeking a joint (often multidisciplinary) master’s programme from multiple foreign universities.
Funding
- Up to €1,400/month for 24 months.
- Covers tuition fees, full insurance, travel, visa, settling-in expenses, and monthly allowance.
- Students with disabilities get extra financial help to meet their individual needs.
Application deadline: February
More info: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-b/key-action-2/erasmus-mundus
Infobox: Following Brexit, students from Northern Ireland can continue to take part in the standard Erasmus+ programme, thanks to cooperation with the Irish Government. An annual funding commitment of roughly €2.1 million has been made to pursue this project.
Less known opportunities & scholarships
Besides major government or EU-funded programmes, there are many other organisations that support students with disabilities in pursuing higher education abroad. Seek financial aid from nonprofits, academic groups, companies, embassies, foundations, and disability networks. Below you’ll find two examples of specialised study abroad grants.
Google Europe Students with Disabilities Scholarship
If anything tech-related makes your heart beat faster and your dream career involves IT, AI, HCI, or NLP – you can’t miss this opportunity. Each year, Google offers multiple awards to students with disabilities who have a strong academic record and a passion for computer science. It is encouraging to note that in 2022, two out of ten scholarships were awarded to UK students!
Apply if you are:
- 18 years or older.
- enrolled in or accepted at an accredited university in Europe or Israel.
Funding: €7000 award for the academic year 2023/2024.
More info: buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/google-students-with-disabilities-scholarship
DAAD: Mobility with disability
DAAD, which stands for ‘German Academic Exchange Service’, is among the oldest and most distinguished higher education mobility organisations in Europe. Since it doesn’t provide a distinct scholarship for students with disabilities, you need to apply for its regular funding programmes based on your academic achievements. However, once you have qualified, you’ll be eligible for support aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
Apply if you are:
- a BA, MA or PhD student interested in an academic stay in Germany.
- eligible for one of the regular DAAD scholarships.
Funding: up to € 10,000 additional support aimed at covering the costs that result from the participant’s disability or health conditions.
More info: daad.de/en/the-daad/mobility-with-a-disability
Scholarships and bursaries funded by British Universities
Last but not least, explore opportunities available from your home university. Don’t be disheartened if the scholarship’s name doesn’t mention targeted disability support. Most grant providers are committed to inclusivity and broadening access. Below, we provide you with a list of bursaries that have been recognised for supporting underrepresented groups.
In addition to the above-mentioned opportunities, check if you qualify for Student Finance Travel Grants. The application process and amount of support vary for students from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Further information can be found at: gov.uk/travel-grants-students-england
Study abroad grants – 5 tips for a successful application
- Make a list of all the scholarships you qualify for ensuring that you don’t miss out on any potential opportunities.
- When choosing a programme, prioritise those that actively promote equal access and diversity.
- Be open and honest about your specific needs from the start. By doing so, you will increase your chances of receiving the support you need.
- Take the time to write your personal statement, focusing on your enthusiasm and suitability for the specific exchange programme.
- Go for it! Be yourself and don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams of studying abroad.
Accessible Study Abroad Scholarships in the UK: Conclusion
The world is your oyster – and don’t let anyone stop you from proving that this statement is true. Yes, you may face additional obstacles on your path to studying abroad. Fortunately, most of them can be overcome with financial aid tailored to your needs and the support systems at the country of arrival. Apply for a study abroad scholarship this academic year, explore your possibilities and experience something new!
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