AVS partners with VDS Training to launch the inaugural AVS EMS Grants
AVS partners with VDS Training to launch the inaugural AVS EMS Grants
The Association of Veterinary Students [AVS] have teamed up with VDS Training to offer
five £200 grants a year to veterinary students to help with the costs of the 26 weeks of
clinical extra mural studies [EMS]. VDS Training have committed to fund the first two years
of the grants, as a pilot scheme, and AVS have promised to review the offering based on
demand after two years.
The 2016 AVS/BVA survey looked closely at EMS and found that cost was the top barrier to
placements for vet students and was a significant contributor to the average estimated
shortfall of £1188/term in clinical years of the degree. It also found that the average
expenditure for a two-week placement was £152 for Large Animal and £119 for Small
Animal, and that 87% of students had to have a car for their EMS placements.
David Charles, AVS President, said:
“Supporting students on EMS is a priority for AVS this
year. As the first part of our campaign I am delighted that, with the help of VDS Training, we
can launch the first ever AVS EMS grants next academic year.
“It’s clear that EMS costs students hundreds of pounds a year, without taking into account
lost potential earnings. For a lot of students, many placements are not possible, as they
would have to source external accommodation and transport, just because of where they
happen to live. This is on top of the costs of food and travel required for any placement as
evidenced in the AVS/BVA 2016 Survey.
“Most, if not all, of the current grants on offer to students are for taking part in research or for travel abroad. The AVS EMS Grants will make previously inaccessible EMS placements
feasible for the winning students and help them get the most out of their EMS.”
Carolyne Crowe, VDS Training Consultant commented, “VDS Training are committed to
supporting and developing undergraduates, helping them gain the day one skills that are
vitally important to set them up for graduating. We are delighted to be collaborating with AVS to champion the future of our profession.”
Applications for the grants will open on October 1st, 2018 with AVS &; VDS Training
presenting the awards at The Association of Veterinary Students Congress 2019,
which will be held at the RVC.
For any further information about AVS or the grants please contact David Charles, AVS
President on avspresident@gmail.com or for enquiries about VDS Training please contact
info@vds-training.co.uk.
