Scholarship FAQs

Here you will find answers to many of the most often asked questions regarding Scholarships. If you need more information email scholarships@spe.org

Applications

When are applications due?

The SPE International Scholarship and Fellowship Application must be submitted by 12 PM (midday) 15 April, Central USA (UTC-5). Late applications or supporting documents will NOT be accepted.

Nominations for the Nico van Wingen Fellowship are due by 15 October and nominee information must be submitted by 1 November.

When are the recipients announced?

Recipients will receive an email from SPE and will be listed at https://www.spe.org/scholarships by 1 August.

Nico van Wingen recipients will be notified by 15 February.

What is the amount of funding available?

  • Gus Archie: USD 5,000 per year, up to 4 years
  • Henry DeWitt Smith: USD 5,000 single payment
  • Donald G Russell: USD 4,000 single payment
  • Imomoh: USD 2,000 single payment
  • Nico van Wingen: USD 5,000 per year, up to 4 years

How long does it take to complete the application?

The application includes a significant amount of information. Completing all application fields, including the personal statements, should take a minimum of 1 ½-2 hours. This does not include the time it takes for you to request a recommendation and to have the recommendation form uploaded by your reference(s). You can save your application as a draft multiple times and return to add more information. Please note that once you submit, you are not able to make additional edits.

Why doesn’t a submit button appear on the application?

The submit button will not appear on your application until all required fields, marked with "*" are completed and your recommendation letter has been submitted. Your application will stay a draft until this is done.

Once I submit my application, can I make further edits and add attachments?

Once you have submitted your application, you can no longer make edits. If required information is missing, your application will be deemed ineligible. We recommend that you save a draft of your application. Then, before you submit, review all requirements again to ensure your application is complete.

What is the most significant portion of the application?

The personal statements carry significant weight with the selection committees. A detailed academic history is also important.

May I use the funds for anything other than university tuition?

Yes, but the funding must be used for educational purposes such as tuition, books, living expenses, etc.

What do I need to do to receive payment?

Once you have been selected as a scholarship or fellowship recipient you will be asked to provide the following details in order to complete your payment. If your award is ongoing across multiple years you will be required to submit these forms each year to ensure you remain eligible for the award.

Academic Progress Form (pdf)  (To show you remain in the course meeting academic standards)
Payment Option Form (pdf)  (To verify the preferred method of payment) 
• Bank Details (A letter/statement from your bank verifying international payment codes)

SPE Staff will verify your forms, and also check you meet other eligibility requirements including:

• Current SPE Membership
• Comply with US and EU Sanction Laws

If your award is ongoing, SPE Staff will contact you approximately one year from your initial payment to request these forms. If you require your payment earlier, please contact scholarships@spe.org.

Please note that without these forms we may not be able to complete your Scholarship or Fellowship Payments.

 

Eligibility

Do I have to be a member to apply?

If you are eligible for student membership, yes, you must be a current, paid member. Visit www.spe.org/join to become a member today.

*If you have never attended university before and are therefore ineligible to become a member, you are still eligible to apply. Please fill out a profile before your application. You must become a member as soon as you are eligible.

Do I need to be currently enrolled in university in order to apply?

No, you do not need to be a current university student to submit your application. If you are not yet enrolled, please provide information for your first choice of university to attend.

Funding is not intended for certifications or training programs. You must be enrolled by 1 January following the application year.

Are the scholarships only for petroleum engineering students?

No, most are open to all students pursuing a degree related to the oil and gas industry. The Gus Archie Scholarship is restricted to first-year petroleum engineering students.

I am in my last year of university, am I eligible?

You are eligible only if you will still be enrolled the year following the application year. This applies only to the Imomoh Scholarship and Henry DeWitt Smith Fellowship. The Gus Archie Scholarships is restricted to first-year petroleum engineering students.

Can I apply for other SPE scholarships or fellowships?

The SPE International Scholarship and Fellowship Application ensures you are considered for all scholarships or fellowships for which you are eligible. You may also apply separately for Section Scholarships.

How do I know which scholarships or fellowships I am eligible for?

Eligibility requirements are listed on the individual program pages. Your application will be considered for all those for which you are eligible.

Can I receive more than one scholarship or fellowship from SPE?

Yes, you can receive more than one award. There is no rule which limits the number of scholarships or fellowships a student can receive.

 

Required Documents

What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is typically written by a professor, advisor, or employer that vouches for your character, academic strengths, and outstanding qualities. The letter must be in English. Self-recommendations will not be accepted.

How many recommendations can I submit?

Only one is required.

How do I submit a recommendation?

In the “Additional Information” section, click on “choose file” and drag and drop your recommendation letter or click on “Select Files to Upload”.

What if I do not submit a recommendation form?

Submitting a recommendation letter is mandatory. You will not be able to submit your application until your recommendation letter has been submitted.

Am I able to upload a Word Doc or PDF recommendation letter?

Yes.

What is a university entrance exam?

A university entrance exam is a standardized aptitude test required prior to acceptance in university. Common examples are the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, IIT JEE (India), and Thanawya Ama (Egypt).

My university does not require a university entrance exam. Do I need to take an exam to be considered?

No, you are not required to take an entrance exam. Please indicate you were not required to take a university entrance exam by marking N/A for not applicable.

Please note that if you attend university somewhere that generally requires an entrance exam (i.e. the US) and select N/A without explanation, you will be considered ineligible.

My Entrance Exam results are not in English; does it need an official translation?

Your exam results must be in English, but the translation does not need to be formally certified. The Selection Committee will be able to confirm the translation.

Do I need to include a transcript, proof of enrollment, or grades?

No, you do not need to include any of the above with your application. Please do NOT attach these documents. Any additional documents, including photos, will be deleted.