Declaring a disability
The University provides support for students who have a qualifying disability that the University is aware of, both at entry to their course and for students who acquire a disability during their studies. A “qualifying disability” is a disability which meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010.
If you are an entrant, then we can start the process of putting arrangements in place before you start your studies. If you have declared your disability on your University application, you will receive an automatic email with some guidance about arranging your support.
If you haven't declared your disability on your University application form, please get in touch with Disability Services to discuss your support needs.
The disability team has specialists who advise students with physical disabilities, sensory impairment, unseen medical conditions, long-standing health or medical conditions, mental health difficulties, Autistic Spectrum disorders and Specific Learning Difficulties. Find out more about the disability team.
The disability team offers a wide range of support and can assist in the following areas:
- assessing appropriate support for you to access your course of study
- informing Schools and the exam office of teaching and exam arrangements
- discussing SpLD assessments options and referrals to educational psychologists
- advice on Disabled Students' Allowance (UK students only)
- liaising with Student Accommodation Services so that you can be allocated, where possible, a room in halls of residence that meets your needs
- assisting you to contact appropriate external agencies to arrange support, such as personal care and independent living support
How to declare a disability
If you have a disability or a long-term medical condition that impacts on your academic or residential experience at university, you may wish to declare this to us at St Andrews.
To do this you need to:
- update your personal details: log into the student record system, MySaint, and indicate if you have a disability
- complete our Disability Registration Questionnaire: if you have declared your disability on your University application form, you should automatically receive this, if not, contact the Disability Service
- provide evidence: submit documentation from a GP, consultant, healthcare professional, educational psychologist or psychiatrist
A Disability Adviser can guide you on the necessary information and format for your evidence. If you’re uncertain about what evidence to provide, please reach out for assistance.
Once you have advised us of your qualifying disability and provided the details requested above, a Disability Adviser can explore teaching and exam arrangements with you. You will have the opportunity for these to be reviewed every academic session.
For further advice contact the Disability Service.
If the University has not been made fully aware of the requirements of a student with a qualifying disability as soon as possible during initial communications with the University, we cannot guarantee that suitable resources will be available on the student's arrival in St Andrews.