Membership of IAUP includes the following categories:

IAUP Full Membership

Full membership of IAUP is open to present and former university Presidents, Rectors and Vice-Chancellors and to present and former Chief Officers of universities, whose institutions are recognized by local, national or international authorities, as may be specified in Bylaws to this Charter. The Association may, under specific conditions, offer lifetime membership to university leaders, i.e. full membership on a lifetime basis.

IAUP Lifetime Membership

Lifetime membership is available for a single payment of $2000 to retired or retiring Presidents, Rectors, Vice Chancellors and Chief Officers who have paid six (6) years consecutive individual membership to the International Association of University Presidents.

IAUP Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to present and former leaders of higher educational institutions, other than universities, who are recommended by local or national university organizations.

IAUP Affiliated Membership

Affiliated Membership is open to inter-university organizations pursuing objectives which are in line with those of the IAUP. Such membership is available to two representatives of the relevant organization, e.g. the Head (Chair, President) and the chief administrative officer (e.g. Secretary-General, Director).

IAUP Honorary Membership

Honorary membership is awarded selectively to distinguished leaders of socio-economic, social and cultural life who support university leaders in achieving their international, worldwide goals.

IAUP Reciprocal membership arrangements with other organizations

The IAUP may enter into arrangements with other appropriate organizations engaged in cognate activities with a view to arranging reciprocal membership.