Scholarship FAQs

Learn more about our SPE Scholarships through these frequently asked questions. 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 1 November and nominee information must be submitted by 15 November. 

SPE cannot offer additional scholarships on an ad hoc basis or by individual request.

When are the recipients announced?

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

Nico van Wingen recipients will be notified in February.

What is the amount of funding available?

• Gus Archie: USD 5,000 per year, up to 4 years (1 award available)
• Henry DeWitt Smith: USD 5,000 single payment (1 award available)
• Donald G Russell: USD 4,000 single payment (2 awards available)
• Imomoh: USD 2,000 single payment (4 awards available)
• Nico van Wingen: USD 5,000 per year, up to 4 years (1 award available)

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.

Does my application need to be in English?

Yes. Our judging panel consists of volunteers from around the world and have agreed to review applications collectively in English. This is designed to allow judges to consider applicants responses comparatively while maintaining a diverse range of experience and understanding of academic processes in each region. Academic scores and GPAs will be requested via the form, submitting received marks as well as the highest possible marks. This allows judges to understand the level of academic achievement even when supplementary attachments are presented in your local language.

The judging panel understands that English may not be the applicants first language and grammatical mistakes are unlikely to affect judges scores. Submitting information in other languages may prevent judges being able to review the answers provided. 

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write my application?

The use of AI to write your application is not prohibited, as long as the information submitted is truthful and an honest reflection of your achievements. However, we encourage applications to write responses personally, as AI written answers often tend to be generic and lack specific details which are key when reviewing candidates. Please remember submitting personal information into a public AI may also risk the security of your private data.

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 Judging Criteria for Scholarships?

The judging criteria is consistent across all scholarships, factoring in academic performance, honors and awards, financial need, letter of recommendation, and personal statements. For Nico van Wingen teaching experience and academic work is also considered. 

All criteria are given equal weight during initial reviews. For second round and final selection the personal statements often carry more weight with individual judges. A detailed academic history is also important.

Judges are reminded to remain impartial and abstain if they have a personal connection with the candidate they are reviewing. 

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?

In order to receive funding, you must be a Student Member. The Gus Archie Scholarship is open to students about to start their degree and who may still be in high school. These applicants do not need to be a member of SPE at the time of application, however, if they are successful, they will need to join when they enroll. For all other SPE International Scholarships and Fellowships applicants, they will need to be SPE Members at the time of applying. Visit www.spe.org/join to become a member today.

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?

Gus Archie, Donald G Russell, and Imomoh Scholarships require you to be studying Petroleum Engineering to be eligible for the awards. Nico Van Wingen and Henry DeWitt Smith Fellowships also permit courses related to petroleum engineering.

If you have any queries if your course meets this criteria, please contact scholarships@spe.org with information on your course. 

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

Scholarships are intended to support the following academic term from the time of submission. You are only eligible if you will still be enrolled the year following the application year. The Gus Archie Scholarships is restricted to first-year petroleum engineering students and those intending to start in the next academic term.

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. Students can also apply for multiple years as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. 

How many people receive SPE Scholarships?

Gus Archie, Henry DeWitt Smith and Nico van Wingen typically award one candidate each per year. If the judging committee cannot confirm an individual winner, and if budgets permit, a secondary candidate may be permitted. 

The Donald G. Russell Scholarship awards two people per year, and Imomoh Scholarship awards four people per year. 

Selection is based on the highest rankings, based on judges scores and final deliberation. 

If I cannot complete all the application fields will my application still be considered?

If you complete all the required fields marked with “*” and you meet eligibility criteria your application will be reviewed. Any other fields left blank, or with limited information, will be taken into consideration based on your level and opportunities within your region. 

 

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 using the application form fields. File uploads which verify your exam results can be submitted in its original language.

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.