Academic Expenses
Students can encounter a multitude of unexpected costs during their time at University; expenses relating to their course can sometimes be the hardest to fund, but arguably the most important if they wish to progress academically and in their future careers. These types of expenses can vary hugely, depending on the subject and year of the student.
We are pleased to offer a number of subject-specific funds, which support students with any academic-related costs they may face. The academic funds currently available can be seen here, and if you are interested in supporting a new or existing subject-specific fund, please get in touch with us at development@sel.cam.ac.uk.
Academic Travel
Conferences are an important part of academic life, but they can be costly to attend — not only because of the fee, but the travel involved. Particularly at postgraduate level, funding for academic travel can be vital in ensuring that a student doesn't miss out on opportunities to present their work, share ideas, and meet with others in their field.
In order to pursue their academic interests, many students are required to travel. For example, they may need to travel to complete fieldwork, or to visit archives for necessary dissertation research. as visiting archives for dissertation research. This comes with many associated costs, and it is vital that all students at Selwyn are able to explore areas of their subject that interest them most, without being inhibited by financial costs.
Placement Expenses
For many subjects, work experience is key. Vets and medics students are some of the best examples of where placements are expected, often a requirement of the course, but this often means that students will have to afford accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the placement, alongside missing out on time to work and save for the year ahead. Alleviating some of these associated costs means that students from lower income households, who may not have the support to meet these expenses, are not barred from the subjects because of financial considerations.
Veterinary Students
Studying to be a vet is an expensive business, which is why the Jamie Netschert Fund was endowed fund to provide vet students with much needed grants to support different aspects of their studies. This might include help towards work experience or elective costs, or grants towards necessary equipment or specialist clothing for example.
The fund was established in the name of the late Dr Bruce ‘Jamie’ Netschert who died in November 2016 at his home in Virginia, USA. Jamie studied at Selwyn from 1975 and retained a close interest in the college throughout his career. He went on to run the Clifton-Centreville Animal Clinic in Centreville, Virginia.
The fund was established by Jamie’s wife, Donna, who would be delighted if other Veterinary alumni wanted to contribute to the fund so that more students might benefit in the years ahead.
Contributions to the fund can be made via the Selwyn website, or by phoning +44 (0)1223 763 937.
Alumni in the US can make tax efficient donations to the fund via Cambridge in America, which is a 501(c)(3) directing the donation to Selwyn and the Netschert fund.
Medical Students
One of the highlights for medical and veterinary students during their clinical years is a medically orientated vacation project or official elective period.
This Fund was initially instigated in 2009 to supply financial help for clinical medical students planning these projects usually, but not exclusively, away from Cambridge. Multiple donations were received from medical alumni after an appeal. More recently donations have led to the creation of the Steinacher Fund, which has boosted the amounts we can disburse for medical students. Our aim remains to raise further funds to provide income for years to come and to match what some other colleges can provide their students.
We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those generous donors who have made possible such scientific projects and medical experiences.
If you wish to make a donation to the Medical Elective Fund, or the Jamie Netschert Fund for vets, please click here.