Students from across east London could have their tuition fees, undergraduate bursaries and even researching a PhD paid for by ArcelorMittal.

The company behind the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has made a major donation to Birkbeck, University of London, to sponsor students in the area.

As part of the three-year gift, called the Learning Ladder, ArcelorMittal will pay for four undergraduate student bursaries, tuition fees for one postgraduate student, and support for a student researching a PhD in crystallography – the study of atomic and molecular structures.

East London criteria

To qualify for the funds, applicants are required to receive a household income of less than £25,000 and live in east London.

Tricia King, Pro-Vice-Master Strategic Engagement and Recruitment, said: “Birkbeck is very grateful for this funding as it will provide opportunities for people otherwise unable to study because of financial constraints. ArcelorMittal’s support will help the College pursue its goal of meeting the growing aspirations of the people of east London.”

Ian Louden, Head of Brand at ArcelorMittal, said: “ArcelorMittal is committed to east London, and that is why we are supporting these educational sponsorships at Birkbeck. The striking ArcelorMittal Orbit is a beacon for regeneration in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. We want our company to be a beacon as well for widening people’s horizons through the power of higher education.”

For more information or to apply for the awards, contact Matthew Jackson at matthew.jackson@bbk.ac.uk or 020 7380 3169.