We appreciate that attending an interview may cost you money, and we’re happy to offer a contribution towards reasonable travel expenses. To reduce our carbon footprint, we encourage the use of public transport wherever possible. Virtual interviews may also be used to minimise the need for travel.
Guidelines on interview expenses
Candidates who live outside of the UK
If you’re invited for an interview and live outside the UK, we understand that arranging travel on short notice can be expensive and difficult, especially if you have prior commitments. Therefore, we usually offer the option of a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams. You can also request this option if preferred.
If you’re planning to attend an in-person interview on campus and the role is Grade 7 or below, or if your flight costs are over £400, you’ll need to get approval first so we can reimburse your expenses. If approval is given, we’ll reimburse you in line with the guidelines on this page, in pound sterling (GBP), using the exchange rate at the time you paid.
Candidates who live in the UK
If you live more than 30 miles from the University, you may request reimbursement for some of your interview travel expenses as outlined in the table below. We will use the home address in your application form to confirm eligibility. If travel is difficult, we’ll do our best to arrange a virtual interview instead.
Claimable / Non-claimable expenses
The table below outlines expenses which can and cannot be claimed. Please take time to review this information prior to your interview and before incurring any costs.
Claimable expenses
| Type of expense | What you can claim | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rail/Coach/Bus Tickets | We will reimburse up to £75 towards the cost of standard fares only | The receipt must show the start and end details of the journey in addition to the cost of the ticket |
| Car travel | We will reimburse mileage at the rate of 30p per mile, up to a maximum of £60 | The start and end post codes of the journey must be stated on the claim form. Mileage claimed will be verified using AA route planner |
| Air travel | We will reimburse economy flights up to £400 (please use budget airlines where possible and reasonable). For flights over £400 you must request pre-authorisation from your HR Coordinator before booking. Without pre-authorisation, we can only reimburse up to £400. | Same-day return flights should be used to minimise the need for overnight stays |
| Transport from Bristol Airport | We will reimburse your bus tickets for: The A1 Bristol Airport Flyer from Bristol Airport to Bristol Temple Meads and then a train to Bath Spa station or The A4 Air Decker Bath from Bristol Airport to central Bath, and the bus from the train station / central Bath to the University | The journey time is approximately one hour for both options |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | If you require an ETA to travel to the UK, you are able to claim the cost of the application only. See more information on who should apply for an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK. | |
| Overnight Accommodation | If your journey to the University from your home address exceeds 200 miles or you are travelling from overseas and are unable to arrange a same-day return flight, an overnight stay can be requested in advance of the interview date. Where overnight accommodation is reasonable, necessary and has been pre-approved by your HR Coordinator, we will reimburse up to £75 for the stay upon receipt of your claim. If available, you may wish to: | |
| Accommodation options - University of Bath Campus | Arrange accommodation on campus, which has the advantage of allowing you to familiarise yourself with our campus and also to be close to the interview. The campus is located 2km from the city centre and easily accessible via a regular bus service. | |
| Accommodation options - City of Bath | If university accommodation is unavailable or you prefer to stay elsewhere, you can book your own accommodation within 30 miles of the university. Whilst we can’t recommend places to stay, popular hotel booking sites should offer a variety of options. | |
| Food & Drink | You may claim up to £15 for an evening meal if you have a pre-authorised overnight stay. The receipt should detail the items purchased (alcoholic drinks are not applicable) | No other food or drink costs will be reimbursed |
Non-claimable expenses
| Expenses not covered | |
|---|---|
| Taxi Fares | We will not pay taxi fares, except in exceptional circumstances with the explicit consent of the Director of HR. |
| Hire cars | We will not pay for hire cars |
| Parking fees | We will not pay parking fees. If you are travelling by car to interview, parking permits are available on request from the Recruitment team. |
| Overnight Stays | We will not pay for unnecessary overnight stays which fall outside of these guidelines. |
| Friends & Family | We will not reimburse any expenses incurred through accompanying friends or family (for example childcare or accommodation) |
If you are unsure about any of these guidelines, please contact the Recruitment team before you incur any expenses.
How to make a claim
How to make a claim
To claim interview expenses, please complete the claim form and email to the hr-recruitment-admin@bath.ac.uk along with your supporting receipts.
Please note:
- Interview expenses must be claimed within one month of the interview date and submitted with receipts
- Bank and credit card statements cannot be used in line with Inland Revenue guidelines
- Claims will not be considered for applicants travelling within a 30-mile radius of the University
- If pre-authorisation is required but not obtained, your claim may not be processed, or you may only receive partial reimbursement.
- Where an expense item is in a currency other than GBP, you will be reimbursed in pound sterling (GBP) using the exchange rate on the date in which the expense was incurred.