ONE hundred students will be offered scholarships to study at a North-East university, thanks to a £3m donation from an Iraqi exile.

Multi-millionaire property developer Naim Dangoor has put aside the money to allow 4,000 students study at elite UK universities, including 100 at Durham.

Scholarships of up to £1,000 will be available to mostly poor students wanting to study science, technology, engineering or maths.

Dr Dangoor, 95, has donated the money to thank the UK for giving him refuge after he left Iraq in the Sixties.

With Government funding, the bursaries, named the Eliahou Dangoor Scholarships in honour of Dr Dangoor’s father, will be worth a total of £4m, making them the largest private scheme aimed at widening participation known to the UK’s Office for Fair Access.

It is hoped the cash will encourage more young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths at top universities.

Dr Michael Gilmore, academic registrar at Durham University, said: “Durham University is committed to recognising and rewarding excellence in academia, and in extracurricular activities, through offering a wide range of scholarships and support schemes, providing opportunities for talented students to study here in Durham.

“The Dangoor Scholarship is a superb addition to our portfolio of support packages.”

Professor Paul Wellings, chairman of the 1994 group of universities, said: “Dr Naim Dangoor’s generous donation will support talented students to study at the leading universities in the United Kingdom.

“With record numbers of applications the university the signs are that the current system of variable bursaries, fees and loans, with no upfront costs and generous repayment terms, are not acting as a deterrent.

“Nevertheless, we are concerned that some students, particularly from poorer backgrounds, may be put off from applying to university because of misinformation or lack of understanding about the generous support available.

“These scholarships are a tremendous addition to the range of bursaries our universities offer to help ensure that students fulfil their potential and are encouraged to apply to leading universities.”

Last week, businessman and county councillor Bob Young announced he would donate £1m to Durham University, to help North-East youngsters study there.