Transparent annual dues

Membership Fees

WorkOnward membership is priced to preserve standards without turning access into a financial filter. The fee schedule is public, reduced-fee routes are explicit, and hardship support is available where needed.

Pay after approval
No annual dues are collected when you submit an application. You only pay when your application is approved or when your existing membership renews.
Affordability matters
Reduced-fee routes and hardship support are part of the membership design, not side programs. The aim is rigor without unnecessary financial exclusion.
Renewal is annual
Membership dues apply per membership year. If you remain active, renewal keeps your standing, post-nominals, and member status current.

Annual dues by grade

The fee level rises with the review depth, governance rights, and seniority of the grade. Honorary Fellow is awarded by the Board and does not carry annual dues.

Student Member
SMWOF

$10 / year

For students building an early professional identity in STEM or AI while still enrolled in formal study.

Non-voting grade
Apply
Affiliate Member
AMWOF

$30 / year

For career changers, bootcamp graduates, apprentices, and self-directed entrants establishing themselves in STEM or AI.

Non-voting grade
Apply
Member
MWOF

$50 / year

For established STEM and AI professionals seeking a rigorous, practical, peer-reviewed professional membership grade.

Voting grade
Apply
Senior Member
SrMWOF

$70 / year

For accomplished professionals with a decade or more of sustained contribution and significant performance in STEM or AI.

Voting grade
Apply
Fellow
FWOF

$90 / year

Nomination-only recognition for distinguished leaders whose work has made extraordinary, sustained contributions to STEM or AI.

Voting grade
Start nomination
Honorary Fellow
HonFWOF

Waived

Board-awarded recognition for meritorious lifetime contribution. This grade is not applied for and is not part of the public intake route.

Non-voting grade

Reduced-fee categories

Reduced-fee pathways are designed to preserve access for applicants whose financial context should not block meaningful professional recognition.

Women in STEM40% off
Self-declared at application and automatically renewed year to year unless changed
Global South / Low-Income Country50% off
Country of residence appears on the Foundation's annually reviewed low-income-country list
Recent Graduate50% off first year after graduation
Available for the first membership year after graduation
Career Break / Unemployed50% off
Self-attested and re-certified annually, normally for up to 3 consecutive years
Retired50% off
Age 62 or older and not gainfully employed
Hardship WaiverUp to 100% waiver
Available by short request with brief supporting context and Foundation review
Hardship support and fee philosophy

WorkOnward membership is intended to recognise contribution, not simply spending ability. Applicants and members facing financial hardship may request further fee relief with a short explanation.

Hardship decisions are handled discreetly. The Foundation may grant a partial or full waiver depending on the circumstances and the membership year in question.

The review is designed to be practical, lightweight, and respectful. The aim is to keep standards high while removing avoidable barriers to participation.

Renewal notes
  • Only one standard discount is applied per membership term unless a separate waiver is approved.
  • Women in STEM status remains available year over year unless the member changes their declaration.
  • Hardship support is reviewed case by case and may reduce dues up to 100%.
  • Lapsed memberships may require reactivation before active privileges resume.

Choose your route and apply

If you are ready to apply, use the shared intake form and select the grade that matches your experience level.

Go to the application form