Dyslexia Assessments for University and College Students
Get the assessment your DSA application needs
If you are a university or college student and you suspect you have dyslexia, or you have always known but never had a formal assessment, a diagnostic report from Defining Dyslexia gives you exactly what you need to move forward. Whether you are applying for Disabled Students' Allowance, requesting exam access arrangements, or simply trying to understand how you learn, a SASC-compliant assessment is the starting point for all of it.
Assessments are available face-to-face across Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and Peterborough, or remotely anywhere across the UK.
How much does an
assessment cost?
A full dyslexia assessment with Defining Dyslexia costs £495. This includes the assessment session and a comprehensive written report with practical recommendations. There are no hidden costs and no additional charges.
Assessments can be carried out in your home, at your child's school, or at a suitable venue local to you. Where a venue needs to be booked, a small additional fee may apply. This will always be discussed and agreed with you before anything is confirmed.
For adult assessments that include screening for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or dyspraxia, a small additional fee also applies. This will be discussed with you at enquiry stage.
If you would like to talk through costs before booking, you are very welcome to get in touch.
What is the Disabled Students' Allowance?
Disabled Students' Allowance, commonly known as DSA, is funding provided by Student Finance England to help students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties meet the costs of studying. For students with dyslexia, this can include specialist study support, assistive technology, and additional allowances for equipment or travel.
To access DSA, you need a diagnostic assessment report that meets the standards set by SASC. A report from Defining Dyslexia meets those standards and is accepted by universities and Student Finance England across the UK.
Do I need a
previous
diagnosis to book?
No. Many students come to Defining Dyslexia without any previous assessment or diagnosis. You do not need a referral from your GP, your university, or anyone else. You simply need to get in touch and we will take it from there.
If you had a school-age assessment but your university has advised that it is too old to support a DSA application, a new assessment with Defining Dyslexia will meet current requirements.
What if I feel I have more than dyslexia?
It is not uncommon for dyslexia to occur alongside other specific learning differences such as ADHD or dyspraxia. If you feel this may apply to you, trait-based screening for these conditions can be included as part of your adult assessment. Please see the adult assessments page for full details of what this involves and what the resulting report can be used for.
Will my
university accept the report?
Yes. All reports produced by Defining Dyslexia are written to SASC standards by a PATOSS-registered assessor holding the Assessment Practising Certificate. This is the qualification and standard that universities and Student Finance England require. The report will be accepted as evidence for DSA applications, exam access arrangements, and disability support requests at universities across the UK.
If you are unsure whether your specific university has any additional requirements, you are welcome to check with your disability services team before booking. Defining Dyslexia is also happy to liaise with university disability services directly where needed.
What does the assessment involve?
A Defining Dyslexia assessment is a detailed, one-to-one evaluation covering reading accuracy and fluency, spelling, writing speed, phonological processing, and memory. It is designed to build a clear picture of how you think, learn, and process information, and to identify whether a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia is present.
Most assessments take around two to three hours. Shorter split sessions are available where needed. Every assessment concludes with a full written report that meets SASC standards and includes clear, practical recommendations relevant to university study.
What is the
difference between a
diagnostic
assessment and a needs assessment?
These are two separate things and it is worth understanding the difference before you start your DSA application.
A diagnostic assessment is carried out by a specialist assessor and identifies whether you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia. This is what Defining Dyslexia provides.
A needs assessment is a separate appointment arranged through your DSA provider once your diagnostic report has been accepted. It looks at what support and equipment would help you most during your studies. You cannot access a needs assessment without a diagnostic report, so the diagnostic assessment comes first.
How long does it take to receive my report?
Your written report will typically be with you within ten working days of your assessment. If you have an urgent deadline, such as a DSA application or an upcoming exam period, please mention this when you get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Why choose Defining Dyslexia?
Defining Dyslexia is an independent specialist practice registered with PATOSS, the British Dyslexia Association, and the Dyslexia Guild. Working independently means there are no institutional waiting lists and the focus is entirely on you or your child. Every report is written to SASC standards and is accepted by schools, universities, exam boards, and employers.
E-mail: definingdyslexia@outlook.com
We operate virtually across the UK, providing accessible support wherever you are. For in-person appointments, we serve Sheffield, Peterborough, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to learn more!