DSA and ELQ exemption?

Hello,
I’ve just read that students in receipt of Disabled Student Allowance are automatically ELQ exempt… what does this mean please?
Does this mean that if you are eligible to receive DSA that you can take any subject as a second degree (part-time) and are not limited to the ELQ-exemption guide list?
So, for example, would a second degree but in Law then be ELQ exempt if in receipt of disabled student allowance?
Thank you

Hello,
I’ve just read that students in receipt of Disabled Student Allowance are automatically ELQ exempt… what does this mean please?
Does this mean that if you are eligible to receive DSA that you can take any subject as a second degree (part-time) and are not limited to the ELQ-exemption guide list?
So, for example, would a second degree but in Law then be ELQ exempt if in receipt of disabled student allowance?
Thank you

By the way, are you aware that certain STEM subjects are exempt from ELQ rules?

Thanks so much for your supportive response - I thought, is it just me not seeing the obvious but it seems to be hidden knowledge. I intend to call SFE and enquire (not sure if they're open today with if being Good Friday) and I will update the thread.
I am aware about STEM yes - VERY unfortunately I did an ELQ-exempt STEM for a career change but I can no longer work in that field due to new disability.
The reason I'm looking at Law is because it would be less movement around and a genuine interest. Like you, I wouldn't be able to afford the tuition without loan support however.
I think it is INCREDIBLE that you have a spot in such a prestigious art school - go you!!! AND with facing barriers that others may not face to get there too. Fingers crossed we can find some positive answers as at the moment I'm feeling deflated and stuck!

I hear you! It’s so frustrating to be restricted from retraining to overcome our disabilities isn’t it? Especially in the UK’s current hostile environment for disabled people. I’ve been trying to work for over a decade and get batted down with access problems/health issues every time. Restrictions on non STEM courses make no sense. There are UK shortages in law trained people, and experts have known about the importance of the creative economy for decades.

I've just got off the phone with SFE - they said that this is ONLY applicable to Distance Learning (where you cannot attend an in-person university due to disability) but for courses that are ELQ-exempt anyway?
So I queried why it would state that DSA students are automatically ELQ exempt if anyone would be ELQ exempt for these courses and they weren't able to tell me.
Maybe you'll have better luck enquiring?

Do you mean that there is an exemption to ELQ rules for everyone doing distance learning courses?
I'm going to try searching for ELQ and HESA because that's how I found it before

Do you mean that there is an exemption to ELQ rules for everyone doing distance learning courses?
I'm going to try searching for ELQ and HESA because that's how I found it before

This was a policy announced by the Tories - 2027 would be abolishing the ELQ rules
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/student-finance-to-be-radically-transformed-from-2025
However I think this has been dropped

Woah maybe it hasn't - this was published in Jan
https://www.hesa.ac.uk/blog/22-01-2026/lifelong-learning-entitlement-what-it-means-for-you

Oh you have to be under 60

And it doesn't cover Masters level courses

Sorry for my slow response it's been a busy weekend!!
Hmm I'll need to look further thanks for your research and sharing. I don't think I'd get LLE though because I've already studied? I really hope this solves the issue on your end though!!!