Scholarship opportunities for students with autism in the UK are available through various organizations, charities, and educational institutions that support neurodiverse students. These scholarships often focus on students with disabilities, including autism, and aim to help them access higher education. Here are some relevant opportunities:
1. Snowdon Trust Scholarships
- Description: The Snowdon Trust provides grants and scholarships for students with disabilities, including those with autism, to help cover costs related to education, such as tuition fees, accommodation, and specialized equipment.
- Eligibility: Open to students with a disability, including autism, who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a UK higher education program.
- Website: Snowdon Trust
2. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
- Description: DSA is not a scholarship but a government-funded grant that provides financial support to cover extra study-related costs due to a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, including autism.
- Eligibility: Available to UK students with a disability who are studying at a higher education institution. Students must provide evidence of their disability.
- Website: GOV.UK DSA
3. National Autistic Society (NAS) Bursaries
- Description: The National Autistic Society occasionally offers bursaries and grants to support students with autism. These bursaries may be used to help cover educational expenses and other related costs.
- Eligibility: Open to individuals with autism seeking financial assistance for education or related needs.
- Website: National Autistic Society
4. Universities’ Specific Support and Scholarships
- Description: Many UK universities offer specific scholarships, bursaries, or support packages for students with disabilities, including autism. These may include tuition fee reductions, grants for living expenses, and tailored support services.
- Examples:
- University of Oxford Disability Support: Offers various forms of support for students with disabilities, including autism.
- University of Edinburgh Disabled Students’ Bursary: Provides financial assistance to disabled students, including those with autism, for additional study-related costs.
- Eligibility: Varies by institution; generally, students must be registered with the university’s disability support services.
5. The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) Disabled Students’ Allowance
- Description: For students with autism and other disabilities studying in Scotland, the SAAS offers a Disabled Students’ Allowance to cover additional study-related costs.
- Eligibility: Open to students studying in Scotland who have a documented disability, including autism.
- Website: SAAS DSA
6. The June Clarke Scholarship
- Description: This scholarship is designed to support students with disabilities, including autism, who are pursuing higher education in the UK. The scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic potential.
- Eligibility: Open to students with disabilities, including autism, who have demonstrated academic potential and require financial support for their studies.
7. The Jack and Jill Scholarship
- Description: This scholarship supports students with autism and other developmental disabilities in accessing higher education. It provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees and other educational costs.
- Eligibility: Open to students with autism who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a higher education program in the UK.
8. Educational Trusts and Charities
- Description: Various educational trusts and charities in the UK provide financial support to students with disabilities, including those with autism. These organizations may offer grants, scholarships, or bursaries to help cover education-related expenses.
- Examples:
- The Skinners’ Company Lady Neville Charity: Offers small grants to students with disabilities.
- The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund: Provides grants for individuals with learning disabilities, including autism.
9. Other General Scholarships
- Description: Many general scholarships and bursaries in the UK are open to all students, including those with disabilities. While not specifically for autistic students, these opportunities may still be relevant.
- Examples:
- The Open University Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships to disabled veterans, including those with autism.
- The Stoneman Scholarship: Open to students with financial need and strong academic potential, including those with disabilities.
Students with autism are encouraged to explore these options and reach out to the disability support services at their chosen university, as they can provide additional information on available scholarships and support.
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