Special educational assistance (SPS)

When am I eligible for SPS?

You can receive SPS (Special Educational Assistance) at an higher education if you require support to complete your education on equal terms with other students and can provide documentation of your disability. This may include documentation from a doctor, specialist or hospital describing your disability, or a dyslexia test showing that you are dyslexic. If you have not been tested for dyslexia previously but experience reading or writing difficulties, we can arrange for a dyslexia test for you.

How to apply

You should start by contacting the SPS counsellor at your educational institution. The SPS counsellor applies for support on your behalf and may invite you to a meeting to talk about your support needs for completing your education on equal terms with other students. The SPS counsellor can explain the support options available within the SPS scheme.

Together with the SPS counsellor you will describe some support suggestions that can alleviate any difficulties that may arise during your education due to your disability.

Before speaking with the SPS counsellor you should think about:

• The challenges you face on a daily basis in your education.
• What support you think would best help you in your studies.

You also need to fill out a consent form together with the SPS counsellor. This authorises the educational institution to apply for SPS on your behalf. The consent form must clearly state the support you are seeking and must be signed by you.

If you are a new student at VIA and wish to apply for SPS support, you should contact your SPS counsellor as soon as possible after receiving confirmation of your acceptance to your study programme.