SPIE student scholarship programs

Honoring the achievements of students, investing in future leaders of optics and photonics

Moving optics and photonics forward

SPIE is committed to supporting students on their academic journeys in optics, photonics, or other related fields. Browse the list of scholarships below to view details and application information.

SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship winners at SPIE Photonics West

SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships


SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships are open to students located anywhere in the world who are studying optics, photonics, or related fields. Multiple scholarships are awarded through this program each year, including:

  • SPIE D.J. Lovell Scholarship, US $11,000
  • John Kiel Scholarship, US $10,000
  • Laser Technology, Engineering and Applications Scholarship, US $5,000
  • Teddi Laurin Scholarship, US $5,000
  • Optical Design and Engineering Scholarship, US $5,000
  • More than 70 additional Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships, ranging from US $3,000–$5,000.

The 2023 application closed on 15 February 2023. Recipients will be announced in May 2023.

Scholarship details

Nick Cobb Memorial Scholarship


The Nick Cobb Memorial Scholarship supports the education of a graduate student studying in a field related to advanced lithography. One scholarship is awarded annually for US $10,000.

Learn about this year's recipient by clicking on the link below. 

Scholarship details

Joe and Agnete Yaver Memorial Scholarship


The Joe and Agnete Yaver Memorial Scholarship is for SPIE Members and staff seeking further education that provides business knowledge required to facilitate the advancement and application of optics and photonics research and technology. One scholarship is awarded annually for US $10,000.

The application for the 2023 Yaver Scholarship closed 14 April 2023. Thank you to all who applied.

Scholarship details

Michael Kidger Memorial Scholarship in Optical Design


The Michael Kidger Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student engaged in optical design including lens design, illumination design, and computational optical design. One scholarship is awarded annually for US $7,500.

Learn about this year's recipient by clicking on the link below. 

Scholarship details

SPIE-BACUS Scholarship


The SPIE-BACUS Scholarship is for students who wish to work in the fields of photomask and microlithography manufacturing for the semiconductor industry. One scholarship is awarded annually for US $5,000.

The 2023 application is open. Apply by 30 June 2023.

Scholarship detailsApply online

Jenoptik-SPIE Photonics Technician Scholarship


The Jenoptik-SPIE Technician Scholarship awards four $3,000 scholarships to students enrolled or planning to enroll in a laser, optics, or photonics technician associate or certificate program in the state of Florida.

The 2023 application closed on 28 April 2023. Thank you to all who applied.

Scholarship details

Eichenholz-SPIE Photonics Technician Scholarship


The Eichenholz-SPIE Photonics Technician Scholarship is intended for students enrolled or planning to enroll in a laser, optics, or photonics technician associate or certificate program. Four $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually.

Learn about this year's recipient by clicking on the link below. 


Scholarship details

More funding opportunities to promote research and learning


  • Student Conference SupportTravel grants and conference registration fee waivers to SPIE Student Members who are planning to present or attend an SPIE meeting.
  • SPIE-Franz Hillenkamp Postdoctoral Fellowship – Annual award of US $75,000 to translate new biomedical optics and biophotonics technologies to clinical practice for improving human health.
  • IBM-SPIE HBCU Faculty Accelerator Award in Quantum Optics and PhotonicsThis US $100,000 award shall be used to promote research and education in quantum optics and photonics within IBM-HBCU Quantum Center member institutions, and may support students or postdoc researcher stipends, travel, conference registration, equipment, materials and supplies, and faculty summer salary.