SEG Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Overview
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) offers scholarships to support university study in geophysics and related geosciences worldwide. Aimed at recruiting exceptional high school and college students, these awards recognize academic excellence and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in applied geophysics and related fields.
Support and award sizes
Donations from SEG supporters make these opportunities possible. Depending on sponsor contributions, scholarship amounts vary from US$500 up to US$10,000 per academic year, with the mean award near US$2,800. The quantity of scholarships each cycle is determined largely by the number and level of donor gifts. SEG scholarships have been granted to students across the globe.
Who is eligible
Scholarships are merit-based. To be eligible an applicant must:
- Be a high school senior planning to begin college the following year, or be an undergraduate or graduate college student;
- Have above-average academic performance;
- Plan to pursue a college curriculum directed toward a career in applied geophysics.
Application period and review process
- Applications are accepted online annually from 1 November through 1 March.
- From mid-March to mid-May, a panel of eight professional geophysicists reviews and ranks applications independently.
- A consensus meeting is held in late May to finalize rankings; top-ranked applicants are matched with available scholarships.
- Applicants are informed of award decisions in mid-June.
- Between June and September, enrollments are verified, acceptance paperwork is completed, and funds are disbursed.
Requirements to renew a scholarship
Recipients seeking renewal must demonstrate ongoing commitment, collaboration, and leadership in activities that advance geophysical science. To be considered for renewal, awardees must participate in at least one of the following:
- Hold a paid SEG student membership or be active in a SEG Student Chapter;
- Volunteer or participate in SEG events or events partnered with SEG to support learning, networking, or business development;
- Attend SEG workshops, forums, seminars, or conferences;
- Submit publications or organize outreach activities under the name of a SEG student chapter.
How to apply
- Submit your application online between 1 November and 1 March.
- Include current academic transcripts.
- Provide email addresses for two faculty members who have agreed to serve as references.
Contact
For questions or more information, email SEG Scholarships at scholarships@seg.org.
2025–2026 scholarship cycle summary
For the 2025–2026 cycle, the SEG Scholarships Committee received 361 applications. Committee members individually reviewed and ranked each submission. A composite forced rank was produced for six applicant categories (freshman, undergraduate, and graduate, each separated into North American and International). Concurrently, lists of eligible candidates were sent to donor advisory boards to review and rank applicants for donor-restricted scholarships; those advisory board recommendations were considered during the final award decisions.