Students
Through local student chapters and international programs, SPE serves more than 58,000 student members globally,
offering many resources and opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and enhance their skills.
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.
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.
Featured Student Chapter
First-Ever Student Chapter in Timor-Leste Represents Resilience and Progress
Students at the National University of Timor-Lorosa'e (UNTL) and Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) are now members of a global community through the establishment of the first SPE student chapter in their country, Timor-Leste. It is also the first of any SPE member group in the country. Learn more about the new student chapter in Timor-Leste.
Young Member Engagement Committee
The Young Member Engagement Committee (YMEC) is a global team of SPE members who ensure that young professional and student engagement remains a top priority for SPE. YMEC reports directly to the SPE Board of Directors and is responsible for international student activities.
Student Membership
Student membership has many benefits and is free when you sign up for the SPE Student Dues Program sponsored by Chevron.
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.
Bookstore Discounts
SPE Student members receive up to 50% off of the retail price of SPE Books on the SPE Bookstore. Not only does SPE deliver print books but also delivers many of its titles in digital eBook and eBook rental formats. Rental eBooks provide each reader 6 months of access to an eBook at up to a 75% discount off the retail price. To receive the membership price, students need to simply sign into the SPE Bookstore with their SPE.org sign-in credentials.
International Student Programs
If your university does not have an SPE Chapter and you want to get involved, we have a variety of local and global programs.
PetroBowl
The PetroBowl contest is SPE's largest student competition. SPE Chapters from around the world participate in this quick-fire quiz. Teams participate in Regional Qualifiers for a chance to attend the international championship games at SPE's Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition.
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®.
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.
eMentoring
Through eMentoring, Student Members can connect and learn industry insights while gaining practical career advice from young and experienced professionals. It's easy to communicate via email, video calls, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms at a chosen time that suits both individuals.
Career Pathways Fair
The Career Pathways Fair gives you a chance to meet with specialists from multiple disciplines for quick fire mentoring and gain insight into possible career paths. Held as both physical and virtual events we provide all young engineers, students and YPs an opportunity to speak with experienced professionals in an informal environment.
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.
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.
More Student Resources
The SPE Technical Knowledge for Graduating Engineers Matrix – compare the essential and valued competencies for new graduates in the industry (PDF)
Energy4Me – essential energy education and classroom resources