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The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) supports autistic students in higher education with assistive technology, support workers, and academic support - and it's NOT means-tested.
You must be enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible higher education institution in Ireland.
You have a formal diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or other disabilities registered with your college.
SUSI grants depend on family income. Open 1 April each year for full-time students.
FSD is available based on disability status and support needs, regardless of family income.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities supports specific costs related to your study needs.
Software, apps, AAC devices, and accessible tech to support your learning and communication.
Note-takers, personal assistants, tutors, and support during lectures and exams.
Study skills coaching, exam access arrangements, and learning support services.
Campus transport assistance, mobility aids, and specialized equipment for learning access.
Contact your college's Disability Service or Access Office. This is usually the first step to accessing FSD and other supports.
The Disability Service conducts a formal assessment of your support needs based on your diagnosis and study requirements.
If you're eligible for a means-tested grant, apply through SUSI. For FSD, your college submits recommendations to the education funding authority.
Once approved, your college coordinates support services and FSD funding flows through your college to cover eligible costs.
Our assessments provide the evidence needed to unlock FSD and college support.
Formal diagnosis reports that document your autism, support needs, and functional impact - all recognized evidence for FSD.
Book Adult Assessment →Many autistic students are also ADHD. Our AuDHD assessments capture both diagnoses for more complete support documentation.
Book AuDHD Assessment →The Fund for Students with Disabilities is a non-means-tested support scheme for full-time higher education students with disabilities, including autism. It covers assistive technology, support workers, academic support, transport, and equipment needed for study.
No. The Fund for Students with Disabilities is NOT means-tested. You are eligible based on your disability diagnosis and full-time higher education status, regardless of family income.
SUSI applications typically open on 1 April each year. The deadline varies, but applications are usually accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis. Check susi.ie for exact dates.
Yes. These are two separate supports. You can apply for both SUSI (a means-tested maintenance and fee grant) and FSD (non-means-tested support for disability-related costs). Many students benefit from both.
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is a means-tested grant that covers maintenance grants and fee contributions for eligible full-time students. Your eligibility and amount depend on family income and study level.
You must be a full-time higher education student with a formal disability diagnosis, including autism. You register with your college's disability service, who assess your support needs and recommend FSD funding to the education provider.
The college Access Officer (or Disability Service) guides you through registration, needs assessment, and funding applications. They are your advocate for accessing FSD and other college support services. Contact details are usually on your college website.
AutismCare provides adult autism and AuDHD assessments that document your diagnosis and functional support needs. These reports are accepted as evidence for FSD registration and help demonstrate the support you require for your studies.
Get a formal assessment from AutismCare - accepted evidence for FSD registration.
Information accurate as of April 2026. SUSI and FSD eligibility criteria may change. Always check susi.ie and your college's Disability Service for current requirements and deadline dates.
Hello, to request a call back by a member of our team please complete the information below.
Meabh Charlton Phelan
Client Engagement Advisor
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