For students interested in the geosciences and applied geophysics, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) offers a robust portfolio of programs, grants, and scholarships for 2026. These opportunities are designed to build technical expertise, foster leadership skills, and support professional development globally.

SEG EVOLVE Energy Exploration

The SEG EVOLVE Program is a multidisciplinary opportunity designed to address the world’s energy needs. It focuses on the following key areas:

• Global Energy Solutions: The program emphasizes workflows, subsurface characterization, and economics training applicable to current and future energy challenges
• Skill Development: Participants develop skills directly relevant to projects in oil and gas, carbon storage, and geothermal energy
• Integrated Learning: The curriculum integrates principles from geology, geophysics, engineering, and business management

Application Window Opened: 30 September 2025
Deadline: 14 November 2025

Student Chapter Outreach Grant

This grant supports student-led projects that raise awareness of geosciences in K-12 schools and the local community.

• Funding: Up to US$1000 per year
• Projects: Examples include workshops for K-12, hands-on activities, summer camps, or developing virtual field trips focused on local geoscience issues (e.g., sinkholes, earthquakes)
• Reporting: A follow-up report with a financial summary and receipts is required. Failure to report results in a two-year ineligibility period

Application Window Opens: 20 October 2025
Deadline: 30 January 2026

Student Chapter Excellence Program

This program recognizes outstanding engagement and growth among SEG Student Chapters.

• Best Student Chapter Award: A US$5,000 travel grant for two student officers to attend IMAGE ’26. Requires submission of the annual Student Chapter Report by 31 January
• Most Improved Chapter: Recognized with a US$1,000 award for demonstrated growth

Open all year for changes in officer and chapter reactivation. 

Application Window: 1–31 January for Yearly Report of Activities
Deadline: 31 January 2026

Field Camps

The SEG Field Camp Program offers critical funding for projects that provide students globally with real-world, interactive training, moving beyond traditional classroom instruction.

Key aspects of the program and application process include:

• Educational Focus: The program funds projects that offer students real-world, interactive training in the field.
• Highly Competitive: The program is highly competitive, and applications are ranked based on specific scoring criteria.
• Maximize Grant Impact: Field camps should maximize the impact of an SEG grant by:
  • Securing no-cost equipment use from local companies and geophysical entities.
  • Supplementing their activities with other funding sources to complement the funds requested from SEG.

Application Window Opens: 1 November 2025
Deadline: 1 February 2026

SEG Scholarships

These scholarships support high school, undergraduate, and graduate students worldwide pursuing careers in applied geophysics and related geosciences.

• Award Range: From US$500 to US$10,000 per academic year (average is approx. $2,800)
• Eligibility: Must be a student with above-average grades planning a career curriculum in applied geophysics
• Review Process: A committee of professional geophysicists reviews applications, with notification of results typically in mid-June

Application Window Opens: 1 November 2025
Deadline: 1 March 2026

SEG/Chevron Student Leadership Symposium (SLS)

The SLS focuses on leadership, teamwork, and communication for 50 student officers from SEG Student Chapters.

• What it is: A program featuring leadership coaching, problem-solving, and cross-chapter collaboration, culminating at the IMAGE 2026 convention in Houston, Texas
• Benefits: Recipients receive a travel grant covering airfare, lodging, per diem, and registration for IMAGE ’26, following virtual workshops with Chevron mentors
• Requirement: Active chapters nominate one officer who is expected to share their experience with their chapter.

Application Window Opens: 11 November 2025
Deadline: 14 February 2026

Near-Surface Research Award

This endowment supports potential key contributors in the field of near-surface geophysics.

• Focus: Applications of geophysics to studies like hydrogeology, environmental science, earthquake hazard assessment, and archaeology.

Application Window Opens: 1 January 2026
Deadline: 31 March 2026