Student Member benefits

Empowering changemakers of the future

We believe that our Student Members are future leaders in optics and photonics. We leverage our global network and world-class technical and professional offerings to empower students to innovate using light-based technologies. Find the people and tools that can help you develop your work and refine your career.

Benefits for Student Members


Membership dues


SPIE Student Member


1-year $20

Pre-college* No Charge

Student Membership is offered to students who have not yet attained their terminal degree (including all doctoral degrees). Post-docs and Members working on a second PhD or an additional advanced degree/certificate are welcome to join as Early Career Members.

Early Career Membership is offered for five years after receiving your degree.

Join or renew

*Pre-college Student Membership is only available to high school students who have not begun university studies. It does not include a journal subscription, and you may not use the web interface to join. Please complete this Pre-college Membership Application and return it to SPIE via email or fax (+1 360 647 1445). Questions? Contact us: customerservice@spie.org

Special economic consideration discounts are available. Learn more

Membership dues are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Student testimonials


Lipsa Nag Lipsa Nag
Member since 2016
PhD Student
Ecole Polytechnique, France

"I am finishing my PhD this year and will subsequently look for jobs in the industry. Through SPIE, I was exposed to events which have shaped me as a student, individual, and leader. Among them was the Photonics West Student Leadership Workshop, which helped me develop professionally and connect with students from all over the world. Participating in SPIE events also helped me become a better communicator, and I no longer have a fear of networking! Thanks to SPIE, I will be a little less apprehensive and a little more prepared when I start my job search at the end of this year!"

Charles Maphanga Charles Maphanga
Member since 2015
PhD Candidate
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Laser Centre (NLC), South Africa

"The SPIE Student Membership has offered me an opportunity to meet other postgraduate students in the field of optics and photonics, both national and international. I personally have used this opportunity to encourage other young people to join the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through science outreach activities at disadvantaged areas. There are various benefits offered to SPIE Student Members, including education scholarships and travel grants. I would encourage every young person in the field of optics and photonics to become an SPIE Student Member."

Liliana Villanueva Liliana Villanueva
Member since 2013
PhD Student
Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica (INAOE), Mexico

"Being a Member of SPIE has been an incredible experience and allowed me several opportunities. I was able to obtain a 2018 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship, which will help me grow my network and further my research at a foreign Institute. Through the Women in Optics Chapter Activity Grant, the INAOE Women in Optics Chapter was founded, giving me a platform to encourage other women to pursue a career in optics and photonics."

Uğur Teğin Uğur Teğin
Member since 2017
Master's Student
National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Turkey

"SPIE Membership enhanced my scope in optics and photonics thanks to its many benefits. With SPIE Membership, I can access recent publications and apply for scholarships to attend conferences where the latest research is presented. Now I am planning my future with better accuracy."

Debasmita Banerjee Debasmita Banerjee
Member since 2014
Research Intern
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, India

"I signed up for SPIE Student Membership simply on my college professor's recommendation. Four years running and I am still excited about each new opportunity the organization offers, from professional network development to student-friendly paper publication. Being a PhD aspirant, I would say this is one of the best decisions I have taken in my undergrad days. It has simplified numerous complex aspects relating to higher studies that made me comfortable about committing towards academia, research, relocation, cultural diversity, and nurturing my overall growth. I would highly recommend anyone willing to join the global research environment to be a part of this truly international team."

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