SEG Scholarships

The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Scholarships encourage the study of geophysics and related geosciences in universities around the world. Focused on attracting the best and brightest high school and college students, they are intended to recognize those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic merit and commitment to the study of a career in geophysics and related geosciences.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the SEG offers a range of different scholarship opportunities to students all over the globe.

Scholarships range from US$500 to US$10,000 per academic year; average awards are approximately US$3,200. The number of scholarships available depends chiefly upon the number of sponsors and the amounts they contribute. SEG scholarships have been awarded to students all over the world.

Applicant Eligibility

SEG Scholarships are based on merit. To qualify, you must be a student who:

• Is a high school senior planning to attend college next year or an undergraduate or graduate college student;
• Has above average grades;
• Is intending to pursue a college curriculum directed toward a career in applied geophysics.

Online applications are accepted 1 November through 1 March annually.

Mid-March through mid-May, a committee of eight professional geophysicists independently reviews and ranks each application. A consensus meeting is held in late May to discuss the applications and establish a final ranking. Top ranked students are matched with available scholarships. Applicants are notified of results in mid-June.

Requirements for a Scholarship Renewal

SEG Scholarships recipients must show their commitment, collaboration, and leadership participating in activities that promote the advancement of geophysical science around the world. To be considered for a scholarship renewal recipients must participate in at least one of the following activities:

• Be a SEG paid student member or member of a SEG Student Chapter
• Participate/volunteer in SEG or SEG-partnered events to facilitate learning, networking, and new business development
• Attend SEG workshops/forums/seminars/conferences
• Submit publications, organize outreach events in the name of the SEG student chapter

Timeline

• Nov–Mar: applications accepted
• Mar–May: applications reviewed and scholarships assigned
• June: applicants notified of results
• June–Sep: enrollments verified; acceptance documents completed; funds distributed

How to Apply

• Students must include current transcripts
• Must include email addresses for two faculty members who have agreed to serve as references
• Submit your application online between 1 November and 1 March

For more information, contact SEG Scholarships at scholarships@seg.org

The application deadline for 2024-2025 has passed. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open 1 November 2024. Click here to manage 2024-2025 applications.

2023-2024 SEG Scholarship Recipients

A total of 424 applications was sent to the SEG Scholarships Committee for evaluation. Members reviewed and ranked them individually. A composite forced rank was compiled for each of six classifications (freshman, undergraduate, and graduate, each divided into North American and International). Concurrently, lists of eligible applicants were sent to several donor advisory boards for review and ranking of restricted scholarships. The committee took the advisory board recommendations into consideration during the award process.