RIBA Announces 2026 Membership Fee Increase to Support Global Services and Initiatives

For UK-based Chartered Members with more than five years of qualification, the annual fee will rise by £2 per month, reaching £497. Chartered Members in the UK with under five years of experience will see their fees increase by £14 to £295, while international members with less than five years of experience will pay £236 (an £11 increase). Those with more than five years’ experience internationally will see a £19 increase, bringing their annual fees to £397.

RIBA has emphasized that support will continue for members facing financial hardship, low incomes, or retirement, ensuring accessibility despite the increase.

Jack Pringle, Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees, highlighted the value of the global membership community. He noted that members, coming from diverse backgrounds and regions, play a critical role in promoting the importance of quality architecture worldwide. The fee increase, he explained, reflects a long-term strategy to enhance RIBA’s membership offerings, support its international expansion with new global chapters, and fund local initiatives.

The decision follows what RIBA describes as its most comprehensive membership review in recent years, with the organization investing in initiatives to strengthen global engagement and member services. According to Pringle, the 5% rise will also help RIBA maintain offerings that keep pace with inflation and the evolving needs of its membership.

The fee adjustment comes amid a series of major RIBA projects, including the House of Architecture, which will consolidate the institute’s architectural collections in a single location. The initiative, funded separately from membership fees, will improve digital infrastructure, modernize headquarters, and provide broader public access to RIBA’s resources. Pringle described these developments as part of a “once-in-a-generation investment” in the organization’s future and its ability to support members worldwide.