Are all universities prepared and equipped to accommodate young people with SEND or are some better than others?
Each year, nearly one in five students who apply through UCAS share a disability in their application form. Universities and colleges make reasonable adjustments and offer various forms of support for students with special needs and disabilities, although the support available will vary from one institution to another.
We recommend that students do their research and speak to the university or college directly to discuss their requirements.
Students can share their individual needs on their UCAS application form, such as a disability, a mental health condition, a learning difference or long-term health condition. Sharing this information enables universities and colleges to connect students with the best support and resources.
The UCAS website includes lots of advice and guidance on this section of the application form and also features FAQs for any students looking for more information.”
What should young people look out for in a university prospectus to give them more information?
The UCAS website is a great starting point as it has a range of advice for SEND students on applying to higher education – covering everything from researching their options and completing their application to preparing for university and understanding the financial support that may be available.
As young people start their research, they can also speak to the disability adviser at the university to discuss support and adjustments, even if they don’t go on to apply there. Their contact details will be on the student support pages of the university website. When students research their options, they may want to consider whether the academic support includes flexibility with deadlines, alternative assessment methods or specialist equipment.
Other adjustments may relate to their wider lifestyle such as accommodation, travel or mental health and wellbeing services.
“Students can also look at a university’s prospectus, visit a campus open day, or speak to current students at the university or college they’re interested in through Unibuddy on ucas.com.”
So, it’s perfectly fine for students to contact universities directly if they have a query?
Yes, universities and colleges have teams in place to make sure students can access the right support for their individual needs. UCAS has guidance for students on speaking to support services which gives examples of questions they might find useful to ask.
We recommend students contact the student support team, disability adviser or mental health adviser to discuss their needs as early as possible, so support can be discussed and arranged for the start of the course.
Universities are diverse and inclusive environments.. and provide support to make sure all students have a fair and equitable chance to succeed
Do SEND applicants have to specify their learning challenge when applying?
Admissions teams at universities and colleges make their decisions based on an applicant’s ability to meet the entry requirements, their enthusiasm for the subject area, and their potential to succeed on the course. Any details a student shares about their individual needs or disabilities are only used to ensure they get the right support for them.
There is a mandatory question in the UCAS application form, in the ‘more about you’ section, which enables students to tick any of the options relating to a physical and/or mental health condition, long-term illness or learning difference.
After this, there is a free text box where students can give more information if they would like to. This information will be shared with those arranging support, such as the student support team, disability adviser, and admissions staff. If a student decides not to share this information, that’s fine – it’s entirely their decision.
If a student changes their mind, they can tell the university or college directly at any time, but we recommend doing this sooner rather than later so there are no delays to getting the support ready.
Universities are diverse and inclusive environments, so they want students who have the potential to thrive on their courses. They provide support to make sure all students have a fair and equitable chance to succeed.
What advice can you give to parents and carers who might be concerned how their young person will cope?
There are many ways parents, carers and guardians can support, depending on what stage of the application journey each applicant is at.
As students start their research, encourage them to speak to the disability adviser at the university to discuss support and adjustments. Their school’s learning support team may also be able to help them identify what they need.
If a child you’re supporting is planning to move away for university or college, they should check the health and social care services to which they may be transitioned (as required).
It is also worth ensuring you and the person you’re supporting know what the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is and what it covers – such as eligibility criteria, what it can fund, how to apply, and what evidence is needed. Our DSA pages offer a complete guide, including all you need to know about the needs assessment.
*The deadline for applications for university entry in 2026 can be found here.
