Free School Meal Travel Bursary
Events: Afternoon Anatomy, Farm Veterinary Summer School, Night at the Vet College, Open Day, Open House, Pre-Vet Summer School, Student Selection Interviews, Sutton Trust Summer School, Taster Courses, Work Experience Support Programme and Year 11 Vacation School.
School Year: Years 11-13
Eligibility: Attend a state-funded mainstream school, are currently in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) whilst attending secondary school OR who have been in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) during their secondary education AND who will be under 21 when one plans to join their first undergraduate degree. NB: Free School Meal (FSM) documentation will be required to prove eligibility.
How to Apply: Please email: schools@rvc.ac.uk with your Expense Form (see below), Proof of receipt of Free School Meals, and your receipts proving purchase of travel.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is committed to supporting under-represented students into higher education and to make applications to our institution. We believe in the importance of being able to access on campus events as they allow prospective students to explore study options available to them, as well as receive advice and guidance; all of which enables students to make informed choices about the educational future.
The RVC’s Free School Meals (FSM) Travel Bursary offers financial support for prospective students (in Years 11–13)[who meet stipulated eligibility criteria] and a supporter to claim up to £150 to reimburse travel costs incurred whilst travelling to on campus event(s), up to twice an academic year. Eligibility for this bursary is targeted to support under-represented individuals, as we believe students from every background should be able to access advice, guidance and support in order to help them progress to and benefit from the transformative experience of higher education.
Claims can be submitted the day of the event and up until 30 days post event. Claims require the completion of a form along with proof of travel expenses e.g. providing receipts.
This initiative is generously supported by the Convocation Trust, University of London.
*The RVC is dedicated to being an organisation in which equity, diversity and inclusion underpin all that we do. Eligibility for this bursary is targeted to support under-represented individuals, as we believe students from every background should be able to access advice, guidance and support in order to help them progress to and benefit from the transformative experience of higher education. For more information on our commitment to improve equality of opportunity for under-represented groups please read our Access & Participation Plan (APP).
Bursary Coverage & Eligibility
The bursary covers travel costs for you and one supporter, up to a maximum of £150.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be currently in receipt of FSM or have been in receipt of FSM during your secondary education.
- Be applying to university before the age of 21.
- Be attending an on-campus event at RVC.
Food and accommodation costs are not covered under this bursary.
How to Claim Your Bursary
You must submit your expense claim within 30 days of attending the event.
To make a claim, please email schools@rvc.ac.uk with:
- Documentation confirming your eligibility for FSM. (e.g Letter or Email from Local Authority or School, Universal Credit Award Notice, Income Support Letter)
- A completed expense claim form.
- Receipts and/or invoices for travel expenses.
Travel Reimbursement Guidelines
All travel for which reimbursement is sought must be undertaken by the most economical and reasonably practicable means.
Rail Travel
Rail travel will be reimbursed at the cost of standard class fares.
Oyster Travel
Please use your Oyster Card if you have one. If claiming for Underground travel, a receipt and journey statement must be provided. If you have an Oyster Card, ensure it is registered online to access your journey history. You can do this at an Oyster-accepting train station or by calling the Oyster Helpline (+44 845 330 9876).
Private Motor Vehicle Travel
Reimbursement is based on mileage rates:
| Motor Mileage Rates (per mile) | |
| Up to 10,000 miles* | 45p |
| Above 10,000 miles | 25p |
| Motorcycle | 24p |
| Bicycles | 20p |
Claims must include:
- Date of travel Journey start and end locations
- Purpose of journey
- Number of miles traveled
- Car registration number
The mileage rates given are calculated on the assumption that appropriate private motor insurance is in place. The RVC will not reimburse any additional premium costs incurred and/or the RVC will not accept liability for any injury or damage arising from the use of private motor vehicles.
Car Parking
Reasonable parking charges can be claimed with a valid receipt. Parking fines will not be reimbursed.
Taxis/Uber
We will not reimburse taxi/uber journeys – as public transport is readily available to our Camden Campus and we run a free Shuttle Bus between Potters Bar Station and our Hawkshead Campus.
Processing Time
Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the event.
Reimbursement typically takes around two weeks to appear in your account.