Studying in the UK as a blind or partially sighted international student can be both exciting and challenging. Support systems may differ from those in your home country, and you might not know what help is available or how to access it. To help, we have put together this guide to support you in navigating this exciting next step!
All UK universities should support disabled students by creating a support plan or learning support plan. You might also hear this calledreasonable adjustments.These are changes or support put in place so you can fully access your course.
The type of support you get can be different at each university, and it will depend on your course and your individual needs. Support can includetechnology-based support,such as screen readers, magnification software, recording tools, or accessible learning materials. It can also includeNon-Medical Helpsuch as note takers, study skills support, library assistance, or extra help during practical sessions.
Your university’sDisability Serviceis the main team that organises this support. They will usually ask you to meet with an adviser to talk about how your vision impairment affects your studies and what support might work best for you. This meeting is your chance to explain what helps you and ask questions about what the university can offer. The sooner you speak to them, the easier it is to put support in place before your course starts.
Not sure exactly what support you’re entitled to as an international student?Study UKhave very useful resources for explaining the support you are entitled to in the UK.
Top Tip!
Look for universities who are willing to provide support for international students, that was something I looked for when I was making decisions about university. My university were able to fund Non-Medical Help such as sighted guides and notetakers but couldn’t fund tech. We went through what I would get from DSA and they told me which things they would be able to provide – Zehra
Accessing English language support can be particularly important if you are adjusting to studying in the UK. Most universities offer English language courses to help improve your academic reading, writing, and speaking skills. Your universityDisability Serviceor International Student Support Service can guide you on the support available. TheRoyal National College for the Blindalso provides information about extra support for blind and partially sighted students studying in the UK, including tailored advice and guidance.
Funding your course as an international student can be a complex process and will depend on what country you are from and what university or course you are studying. It can also help to break this down into funding your course and funding support for your vision impairment.
There are lots of useful resources outlining potential funding options for international students. TheUKCISA guideon funding your studies explains different types of support, while UCAS providesfinancial information for international students.
Many universities offerscholarships for international studentsand there may also be charities or hardship funds that can help if you experience unexpected financial difficulties. It’s important to research these options early, as deadlines can be much earlier than you might expect.
Support related to your vision impairment is separate from paying your tuition fees. UK universities have a responsibility to support disabled students and make reasonable adjustments so they can access their course.
How this support is funded, and what is available, can vary between universities. In many cases, support is funded directly by the university, but the process and level of support may look different depending on where you study.
The best way to understand what support is funded, and how it works, is to speak to the university’s Disability Service. It can also be useful to explore additional funding options, such as charities, and whether you may be eligible, Check out ouradditional funding options page for further information and to check if you can apply.
If you need assistance navigating reasonable adjustments, English language support or funding your studies, your university’s International Student Support Service is a good first point of contact. Check out our Student Stories from Khansaand Zehrawho share their experiences of attending university as an international students or join our onlineFacebook communitywhich can provide practical insights and support.
For further guidance and advice on accessing support as a blind or partially sighted international student, you can contact ourEducation Information Advice and Guidance Serviceonce you are in the UK. We can help you understand what support may be available, direct you to useful resources, and guide you through your next steps.
Read Khansa’s story of studying as an international student at Oxford University, sharing her experiences and tips for other blind or partially sighted students.
Find out more about 'Khansa’s Story: Getting the Most Out of Studying as an International Student'Read how Zehra moved from Turkey to the UK three years ago, and her experiences as an international student in a foreign country.
Find out more about 'Zehra’s Story: Overcoming Barriers as an International Student'Find out about our Education Information Advice and Guidance Service, and how it can support blind and partially sighted students to get the most out of their education.
Find out more about 'Education Information Advice and Guidance Service'Explore the grants and additional funding options available to you as a blind and partially sighted student and how they can support you in your studies.
Find out more about 'Additional Funding Options for Your Studies'
This online community is for blind and partially sighted students, family and friends, education providers and other staff in the sector. It forms a supportive environment where relevant news, advice, questions and pieces of work can be shared to enable students with visual impairments to get the most out of their time at university.
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