This page aims to convey the range of financial and other benefits that the College makes available to student members. The College’s ability to assist its students in these substantial and diverse ways is very largely dependent on the generosity of its Old Members and benefactors, past and present.
Financial assistance for grants and welfare support
About three-quarters of the financial assistance and welfare support that Balliol is able to distribute to its students comes from the College’s own sources of income. There are various formal schemes and a means of taking into account unexpected financial difficulties outside the deadlines for these. Also, any student with a child of nursery age can apply for a place at the Balliol Day Nursery and for a Georgina Horlick Bursary to help cover the cost.
Academic support
Support for academic excellence is a top priority. Each year, Balliol graduate students may be awarded grants to assist research and undergraduates project grants for academic and academic-related projects. In addition, undergraduates may be awarded College Scholarships or Exhibitions, while many others earn smaller subject prizes for exceptional pieces of work, and other prizes. Undergraduates whose courses extend outside term-time can apply for vacation residence and, if in need, for help with accommodation costs. Modern linguists are routinely assisted during their year abroad, and the College helps pay for places on university language courses for non-linguists. Clinical students are entitled to equipment grants and to support for medical electives. (These benefits to graduates already on course are distinct from the graduate scholarships which the College advertises to applicants to Oxford to encourage the best students to come to Balliol.) For those who complete either a graduate or an undergraduate degree and go on to pursue a career in teaching through Teach First, £1,000 Balliol College TeachFirst awards are available. By the end of the academic year, over 300 students will have received funding from College.
Support for College life
The College subsidises food both directly and indirectly: catering pre-payment is the cheapest and most convenient way to eat in Hall. The College also supports student clubs and societies, both by a large annual subvention to the Junior and Middle Common Rooms, and by the funding of specific activities — as, for instance, the Musical Society Concerts, the Chapel Choir and Old Member career presentation evenings. There are music rooms and computer facilities, a library, a studio theatre, two multi-gyms, and a sports field. Each year Floreat grants are made for extra-currucular activities, including sport of all kinds at Blue or half-Blue level or above.
Beyond Balliol
Regular College reading parties are run, with support from the College at the Chalet des Anglais in the French Alps (various subject/MCR-JCR groups, some mixed). Occasional theatre or reading trips may be organised (for students of English).