SPE Student Members
Student Membership
Student membership has many benefits and is free when you sign up for the SPE Student Dues Sponsorship Program.
PhD student members can access Technical Communities and Technical Sections by submitting proof of enrollment (i.e. – transcript, a letter from the registrar, etc.) and expected completion date of doctoral studies (MM/DD/YYYY). Submit your request for access to service@spe.org.
Student Chapters
Student chapters are linked to universities around the world and are supported by local sections. Active student members work closely with their sponsoring SPE Section, faculty advisors, and department heads to host industry-related events. Participation in your local student chapter provides an opportunity to network with peers and local industry professionals, leading to potential career-advancing connections and skills.
Visit the Student Chapters page for more information on how to find, operate, and establish your local SPE Chapter.
Student Development Committee
The Student Development Committee (SDC) is a global team of SPE members who ensure that student engagement remains a top priority for SPE. The SDC reports directly to the SPE Board of Directors and is responsible for international student activities such as PetroBowl, Ambassador Lecturer Program, and Student Paper Contests.
SPE's online journal for students and young professionals, written by young professionals.
SPE Universitas Indonesia Student Chapter: Shaping Future Energy Leaders
The chapter recently welcomed 113 new officers as it looks toward organizational growth and strategic rebranding in 2026.
SPE Drillbotics: An Engineering Competition and Gateway to Leadership Development
Young professionals aim to demystify Drillbotics for students and early-career engineers by offering practical insights into the technical, organizational, and decision-making challenges encountered throughout the competition.
UW Alumnus and SPE Life Member Richard Lynch Supports Next-Generation Energy Research
The $1-million grant will establish a multidisciplinary research hub combining geomechanics, fluid dynamics, advanced reservoir characterization, and artificial intelligence.
South Sudan To Open First Petroleum Engineering University
Bentiu University of Petroleum is now accepting students and will offer programs in petroleum engineering, environmental studies, computer science, management, and information technology.
Worldwide SPE Student Programs
Local and global programs for all students to get involved, even if your university does not have an SPE Chapter.
PetroBowl® Competition
The PetroBowl® competition matches SPE student chapter teams to compete in a fast-paced quiz competition covering technical and nontechnical aspects of the oil and gas industry. PetroBowl® Regional Championships are planned by SPE staff, Regional Directors, and members within each region.
Student Paper Contest
Student members are invited to show their technical expertise by presenting original work to a panel of judges. The top students from each degree level and region are invited to present at an international stage as well as publication in OnePetro®.
Scholarships and Fellowships
SPE offers scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees related to the oil and gas industry. International recipients are selected by an international panel of judges each year. Local Section-sponsored scholarships may also be available.
Ambassador Lecturer Program
The Ambassador Lecturer Program (ALP) educates, informs, and develops the industry's future engineers. Young professionals visit Chapters, universities and schools in their region to disseminate E&P industry information, answer questions, and share their experiences.
Career Pathways Fair
The Career Pathways Fair offers a chance to meet specialists from multiple disciplines and gain insight into possible career paths. Events are set up at key SPE conferences or hosted regionally by Sections. Find presentations from previous Virtual Career Pathways Fairs on SPE Energy Stream. For more information on setting up a Career Pathways Fair event, contact yp@spe.org.
Drillbotics
Drillbotics® is an international competition for university students requiring hands-on experience by petroleum, mechanical, electrical, and control engineers who must build and operate a lab-scale working drilling rig.
SPE Connect
This global online forum is for members to discuss technical and non-technical topics. Ask about upcoming events, technical advice, and industry updates, or simply form friendships with like-minded members around the world.
League of Volunteers
Give back to SPE and the industry with the League of Volunteers! SPE Cares workshops and team-building exercises are just some of the opportunities available for students to develop your skills.
Additional Student Resources
Bookstore Discounts: SPE Student members receive up to 50% off of the retail price of SPE eBooks on OnePetro. Standalone chapters of SPE eBooks are also available. To receive the discount, students must be SPE members and initiate their SPE active membership on OnePetro.
The SPE Technical Knowledge for Graduating Engineers Matrix: Compare the essential and valued competencies for new graduates in the industry. (PDF)
Energy4Me: Access essential energy education and classroom resources.
Graduating Students
If you're approaching graduation, you can qualify to become an SPE Professional Member for free, gaining valuable benefits and resources. Update your SPE profile to tell us when you're graduating. See additional resources and learn how SPE celebrates recent graduates.