Funding is available from Somerville towards the cost of academic-related activity such as discretionary travel or projects. This could include core or compulsory elements of a student’s degree at the discretion of the Committee.
Eligibility
Enrolled undergraduates are eligible. Students who are on suspension, visiting students and finalists whose project will be completed after the end of their course are not eligible. Applicants should be in need of financial support for discretionary travel or projects relating to their studies. This could include core or compulsory elements of a student’s degree at the discretion of the Committee. Students should also apply for other funding sources such as department or faculty travel grants.
The planned travel or project must start after a certain date each term (Wednesday 12th November in MT25) and end before your course completion date. It is not possible to be considered for retrospective funding unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you feel this applies to you, please explain the exceptional circumstances in your application. Travel to places where students are usually resident when not in Oxford will not normally be funded. Please note that it is not possible to apply for a Travel and Special Project Grant and Catherine Hughes Grant for the same project.
Award levels
Environmental sustainability is integral to Somerville’s commitment to social responsibility. Students who are applying for funding for travel within Europe are incentivised to choose lower carbon travel solutions. Lower award levels will apply unless there are exceptional circumstances. These could include disabilities that prevent long train journeys, caring responsibilities or the need to avoid travelling through particular countries. For the purposes of these awards, the countries on this list are considered to be within Europe. Students should refer to the University’s Guide to Sustainable Business Travel for information about reducing carbon emissions. They are also encouraged to offset flights using an offsetting scheme compliant with the Gold Standard. Students can apply for more than the annual allowance in one academic year up to the maximum amount over the length of the course. The same guidance would apply.
STANDARD ALLOWANCE Each academic year, students are eligible for the standard allowance if all projects involve travel within the UK (not flying) or outside Europe (flying or not flying). Any unspent funding will roll over to the next academic year up to the standard allowance.
HIGHER ALLOWANCE Each academic year, students are eligible for the higher allowance if all projects involve travel within Europe (not flying). Any unspent funding will roll over to the next academic year up to the higher allowance.
LOWER ALLOWANCE Each academic year, students are eligible for the lower allowance if any of the projects involve travel within the UK (flying) or Europe (flying). This applies even if other projects in the same year would otherwise be eligible for standard or higher awards. Any unspent funding will roll over to the next academic year up to the lower allowance.
| Undergraduates | STANDARD ALLOWANCE Travel within the UK (not flying) or outside Europe (flying or not flying) | HIGHER ALLOWANCE Travel within Europe (not flying) | LOWER ALLOWANCE Travel within the UK (flying) or Europe (flying) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £275 | £330 | £220 |
| Year 2 | £275 | £330 | £220 |
| Years 3 and 4 | £300 | £360 | £240 |
| Maximum over length of course | £850 | £1,020 | £680 |
Application process
Please complete the application form. The deadline is 12 noon on Monday 20th October and late applications will not be accepted. Your application will be shared with your Personal Tutor on your behalf so you don’t need to do this. However, please let your Personal Tutor know that you are applying for funding.
Application and project deadlines
Applications are accepted each term.
| Term | Application deadline | Project must start after this date |
|---|---|---|
| Michaelmas Term 2025 | 12 noon on Monday 20th October (2nd week) | Wednesday 12th November (5th week) |
| Hilary Term 2026 | 12 noon on Monday 26th January (2nd week) | Wednesday 18th February (4th week) |
| Trinity Term 2026 | 12 noon on Monday 27th April (1st week) | Wednesday 20th May (4th week) |
Decisions
All applications will be acknowledged once the deadline has passed. Decisions will be made by Somerville College Travel and Special Project Grants Committee.
Reporting
Successful applicants will be expected to submit a report after the completion of their project.
Queries
If you have any queries, please email student.funding@some.ox.ac.uk
