Spring Congregation 2024 Expenses Claims

As previously agreed, attendees at Spring Congregation can claim up to £250 in relation to their travel and accommodation expenses. This is in addition to the cost of your gown hire which will be paid for by the University.

Accommodation and travel expenses are to be claimed in line with the University’s Expenses Policy, which ensures that all expense claims are valid and meet both the University’s aims and HMRC’s requirements. 

Find out more:

• Who can claim?
• What can I claim for?
• What will I not be able to claim for?
• How do I claim?
• How will I receive the money?
• How long will it take for me to receive my money?

Who can claim?

• Graduates can claim travel and accommodation costs for themselves and their guests, up to the value of £250 in total.

What can I claim for?

• Accommodation - You can claim for 1 night of accommodation, either before or after your ceremony, up to the value of £115 per room (inc VAT, and within the £250 limit)
• Travel – You can claim for flights, trains, ferries and buses, at standard or economy class (and within the £250 limit)
• Taxis – Reimbursement for taxi fares is only possible under circumstances where there are no other means of transport, or if you or your guests have a disability and/or mobility related needs, or when travelling to and from an airport or train station
• Mileage – Mileage will be paid at the University standard rate which is 45p per mile (and within the £250 limit).

What will I not be able to claim for?

• The University will not reimburse the cost of food or drink
• We will not pay for premium travel costs, for example, first-class rail travel.

How do I claim?

• The University will only pay expenses where attendance has been confirmed and receipts are provided
• Graduates should complete the Spring 2024 Congregation Expenses Claim form. You will need access to your Durham email account to use this form
• You will also need to upload valid receipts to the form. We will only reimburse up to the maximum of £250.

How will I receive the money?

• Money will be transferred to a graduate’s bank account. If you have not previously engaged with our Student Finance system (via Banner Self Service), you should expect to receive an email from noreply@durham.ac.uk, asking you to provide bank details. Please check your spam.

How long will it take for me to receive my money?

• Claims may take up to 10 working days to process.

If you have any further queries regarding this information, please contact the Academic Registrar’s Office.