BP establishes initial four year £4.5 million UK undergraduate scholarship fund

BP, one of the UK’s leading graduate recruiters, today announced the launch of a new scholarship programme for talented science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) undergraduates studying at nine selected universities across the UK.

In its first year, the £450,000 BP scholarship programme will provide 90 scholarships, each worth £5,000, and will be open to nine universities to support ten scholars each. As the programme is rolled out over the initial four years, it will be expanded year on year, providing a total scholarship fund of up to £4.5million. The fund will then progress as an annual scholarship programme providing funding of up to £1.8 million each year.

The universities selected to take part are: Durham University, Imperial College London, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, and University of Strathclyde.

Aimed at building capacity in skills and knowledge that is greatly needed in the energy industry, the scholarship programme focuses on supporting the education and development of the next generation of engineers and scientists. Undergraduate students can apply for the scholarship based on the completion of an online application form, ability test, and a face-to-face interview with BP.

Emma Judge, Head of graduate resourcing, BP, commented; “STEM graduates’ problem solving and quick thinking capabilities help drive innovation and development in business. BP is committed to investing in tomorrow’s talent, from all social backgrounds, and preparing students for long and successful careers – and we’d like them to be in the energy sector.”

Judge added; “We hope the scholarship fund will lighten students’ concerns about funding their further education in today’s economic climate, and encourage more of the brightest and best minds to continue to study STEM subjects.”

Professor Colin Bailey, Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences at The University of Manchester said; “We’re delighted to have been selected for the BP scholarship programme. It will give our students the opportunity to realise their full potential and the additional financial support will enable them to concentrate on their studies. Engagement with students in their early years can really make a difference and help give them a clearer picture of the corporate landscape, so it’s great to see a company like BP working with academia in this way.”

As part of its on-going commitment to supporting education in the UK and abroad, this is the fifth year BP has been offering scholarships to high performing students. Hundreds of students have benefitted from the programme to the tune of £7.3million since 2007.

About BP's Undergraduate scholarship programme

• In each year of their degree BP Scholars will be invited to participate in a range of activities both on campus and on site with BP. These will include a two to three day interactive event designed to help students understand more about the oil and gas industry, with the opportunity to shadow a BP intern for two to three days during the summer, as well as early access to apply for both the BP Internship programme and graduate programme.
• Students will be expected to maintain an appropriate academic standard in order to continue to receive the award.
• The scholarship is not intended to cover fees but support living costs.
• BP is aiming to recruit over 200 graduates in 2013 for career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and business.

For more information please visit www.bp.com/careers.

For further information

Contacts

Capital MSL, Liam Clark, Associate Director, liam.clark@capitalmsl.com, 020 7307 5345

Michael Kinirons, Account Director, michael.kinirons@capitalmsl.com, 020 7307 5336