GovWire

New students applying for DSA can choose if they want a face-to-face or an online needs assessment.

Once a student applies to SLC and we confirm their eligibility, they will be assigned to Study Tech or Capita, who will proactively contact them to arrange an assessment. This will help speed up the process for the student.

Study Tech and Capita have suitable locations and premises for face-to-face assessments across all geographical zones*. SLC conducts regular visits to these assessment centres and carries out audits to assure their suitability. The location strategy of both suppliers remains under review to ensure it meets students needs, and both suppliers have arrangements in place through Regus to utilise their range of facilities. The suppliers are engaging with higher education providers to identify any potential opportunities to provide needs assessment on site. Through our ongoing engagement with students, we will validate that the travel time to get to their assessment centre is convenient.

The Assessment Centre locations for Study Tech and Capita are available here.

*Study Tech will deliver DSA support for students funded by Student Finance England (SFE) and Student Finance Wales (SFW) in zones 1 and 4: Northwest England; Northeast England; Yorkshire and the Humber; South West England; South East England; and Scotland.

Capita will deliver DSA support for students funded by SFE and SFW in zones 2 and 3: East England; the Midlands; London; Wales; and Northern Ireland.