Dyslexia Support UK Universities

When you have dyslexia, a common learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language. Also known as reading difficulty, it doesn’t mean you’re less capable—it just means you learn differently. Many UK universities now offer real, practical support for students with dyslexia, but not everyone knows what’s available or how to get it. The key is knowing what to ask for and when to ask.

Support doesn’t just mean extra time in exams—it includes things like assistive tech, note-takers, one-on-one study skills coaching, and flexible deadlines. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), a government-funded grant for students with disabilities in the UK. Also known as student disability funding, it covers everything from speech-to-text software to ergonomic furniture. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start the process, but you do need to apply early. Universities can’t help if you wait until week three of term.

Some schools go further. At universities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Newcastle, you can book weekly sessions with learning mentors who help break down reading lists, organize essays, and use tools like MindMeister or Read&Write. Others have dedicated dyslexia hubs where you can borrow coloured overlays, use audiobooks, or get one-on-one proofreading help. The best part? Most of this is free if you qualify for DSA.

But here’s what most students miss: support isn’t just about tools. It’s about culture. The universities that really get it don’t treat dyslexia as a problem to fix—they build environments where different ways of thinking are valued. That means professors who accept oral presentations instead of written ones, tutors who use visual mind maps, and exam centres that let you use a quiet room with a screen reader.

And yes, it works. Students with dyslexia who use the right support regularly outperform those who don’t. It’s not magic—it’s structure. You don’t have to struggle alone. If you’ve been told you’re "not trying hard enough," that’s not true. You just haven’t found the right system yet.

Below, you’ll find real guides from UK students who’ve navigated this system—from how to apply for DSA without getting lost in paperwork, to which apps actually help with essay writing, to how to talk to your tutor without feeling embarrassed. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re what worked for people just like you.