Deciding whether to go to university can be daunting. Knowing that there is financial support in place to help you through a Cambridge degree means that the decision becomes more about your future and potential and less about your background. I am only here because I receive a bursary; I am here because of the generosity of others.
Third year Selwyn student, Law
Thanks to the support of alumni we have been able to provide for our students, enabling access to Cambridge for the brightest and best applicants, regardless of their financial circumstances. Since October 2012, students coming to Cambridge have faced tuition fees of £9,000 per year, alongside annual living expenses estimated to be at a minimum of £7,000.
We strive to ensure that our students are supported academically, emotionally, and financially. Last year, in partnership with the University, we gave bursaries to 24% of Selwyn students, totalling £202,200. These vary according to each student’s needs.
With each new intake of students now facing annual costs of at least £16,000, the need to have a robust student support fund is greater than ever. Your donation to the 2013 Telephone Campaign will help to provide vital support going forward. We are determined that students continue to be admitted on merit, not means, and that none are forced to cut short their studies as a result of financial difficulties. Donations to this year’s Campaign will be used in two ways. Firstly, to co-invest with the University’s bursary scheme, in order to improve existing bursary support for students from less affluent backgrounds. Secondly, to bolster Selwyn’s hardship funds, so that if students do find themselves in unforeseen financial trouble there is support available. If 10 alumni pledged £20 a month over three years, with Gift Aid, it would be worth £9,000 to the College; almost a third of what Selwyn is currently able to provide each year in hardship funds. A small gift therefore can have a powerful effect.
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In 2012-2013, we also distributed £27,704 in ad-hoc hardship funds to students who needed financial help through unforeseen circumstances, such as family crisis or bereavement, which put unexpected pressure on their financial situation. Thanks to these funds, they have not had to disrupt or curtail their studies.
Development & Alumni Relations Office, Selwyn College, Cambridge CB3 9DQ Tel: +44 (0) 1223 767845 • Email: rcl41@cam.ac.uk Web: www.selwynalumni.com Selwyn College is a Registered Charity (Inland Revenue number 1137517)