Membership Categories

There are two categories of Society membership that can be applied for: Fellow and General. Applications for membership should be made at the highest level for which the applicant is eligible. The third category, Honorary Life Membership, may be conferred at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Fellow Membership

To be a Fellow of the Society you will have successfully completed a PhD degree in anthropology from a recognised university, or will have engaged in substantial research, teaching, writing or other professional activities that are equivalent to a PhD degree in anthropology. To apply you will need:

• A copy of your current resume
• Degree certificates or transcripts demonstrating the attainment of a PhD in anthropology, OR
• A statement and supporting documents that you have engaged in professional activities equivalent to a PhD degree in anthropology

Fellows are eligible to nominate for election to all positions on the Executive Committee. Only Fellows may hold office as President, President Elect, President Emeritus, or Secretary of the Society. Fellows may attend the Annual General Meeting and vote in Society ballots and elections.

General Membership

General membership is open to anyone with an interest in anthropology and a commitment to furthering the objectives of the Australian Anthropological Society. A formal qualification in anthropology is not required for this membership type. If you are a PhD student you should apply for General membership first, and then upgrade to Fellow when your degree is attained.

General members of the Society are eligible to nominate for election to the Executive Committee as Ordinary Directors or Treasurer only. General members may attend the Annual General Meeting and vote in Society ballots and elections.

Honorary Life Membership

The Executive Committee may confer the title of Honorary Life Member on any person, in recognition of that person’s eminence in and contribution to the profession. The conferral shall be announced at the annual general meeting and the person shall thereafter be exempt from payment of all fees but shall enjoy all the entitlements of a Fellow of the Society.

Membership Benefits

Access Resources

• Receive an on-line subscription to The Australian Journal of Anthropology (TAJA). This includes full electronic access to over 70 years of now digitised back issues dating back to volume 1, issue 1 (1931) (when the journal was called Mankind)
• Receive a tri-annual print subscription to TAJA at a greatly reduced member rate. This option can be selected at the point of member application or annual membership renewal
• Receive the Monthly e-Bulletin, keeping members up to date with all Anthropology related news, information and events
• Be eligible for Awards & Grants
• Be eligible for conference travel grants and other prizes administered through the Australian Network of Student Anthropologists (ANSA)
• Access member-only resources and society archives via the Member Hub.

Network

• Attend the AAS Annual Conference at a significantly reduced rate
• Maintain a profile on the AAS Member Directory
• Advertise your consultancy or other services on the Anthropology Business Directory
• Participate in discussions & share news and information via AAS Forums
• Promote your events, publications and any other news via the AAS social media platforms as well as the Monthly e-Bulletin

Contribute to the Society

• Assist in the development and reform of the Society by attending the Annual General Meeting
• Vote in ballots of the Society and on matters raised at meetings of the Society
• Nominate for election to the Society’s Executive Committee

Membership Fees

Application Fee

A $20 application fee applies to new member applications.

Annual Membership Fee

Members of the Society pay an annual membership fee, the base amount of which is tiered to member category and financial status. In addition to the base fee, members may choose to receive a tri-annual print subscription to TAJA at a greatly reduced member rate.

The current fees are detailed below (all fees are in AUD and are GST inclusive). Fellow and General members may apply for the concession rate if they are a full-time student, part-time or under-employed, a pensioner or retired.

Please note that Society membership is considered to be ongoing. All members will be sent a renewal notice in advance of July 1st and are asked to ensure their renewal is completed and paid in a timely fashion. Unless a member cancels their membership they can expect to receive the annual renewal notice (and subsequent reminders). Members who don't renew their membership fees will cease to receive member benefits, and after one financial year their membership will be considered 'lapsed'.

Fellows

The membership fee for Fellows is $261 at the salaried rate or $96 at the concession rate.  

General members

The membership fee for General members is $214 at the salaried rate or $96 at the concession rate.