Changing your membership category 

You will want to change your membership status if you:

  • are starting or finishing parental leave
  • have completed your dietetics degree
  • have returned to additional study
  • have decreased your work hours.

View our membership categories, fees and key dates. 

Discover answers to our most commonly asked membership questions. 

Student upgrade to full member

If you have completed your studies, you will need to upgrade from a student member to a full member. You will need to select a membership category that reflects your employment status and provide evidence of your course completion. 

Depending on the timing of your upgrade, you may pay a pro-rata membership fee.

Student upgrade (to full membership)  

Verification of qualifications may take a few days before your application is approved. Once your membership is approved we will email you your Dietitians Australia welcome pack.

Returning to full time study

If you are a full member, you may apply for membership fee remission if you return to full time study to enhance your dietetics practice.

This option is only available if you are:

  • enrolled in a full time PhD or other tertiary level course, and
  • not working more than 8 hours per week.

Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your situation. 

Changes to work hours

If you have changed your work hours, you may also need to change your membership category. 

For example, if you were previously unemployed and are now working full time, your membership category would change from 'seeking work / unpaid work' to 'paid work: full-time'. 

Your upgrade fee will be calculated as a pro-rata difference between your old and your new fee level. Refunds will not be issued if you change your employment status during the membership year except in the case of parental leave.

Please contact us at [email protected] and let us know whether you are now working part time (<20 hours) or full time (20+ hours). 

Parental leave

If you are taking parental leave from paid employment, you can change your membership category from full time or part time to parental leave at any time throughout the year. 

Swapping to parental leave allows us to support you financially and helps you keep in touch with your profession while you're away, making the transition back to work feel easier. 

If you have previously paid for a year of membership at the full or quarterly rate before electing for parental leave, a pro-rata account credit (minus the PEN subscription cost and a small administration fee) will be applied to your membership account*.

A small administration fee will be charged.

Please contact us at [email protected] and let us know that you wish to change to the parental leave category and maintain an active membership. 

Categories and fees

Learn more about membership categories and fees.

Our membership policy states refunds will not be issued if you change your employment status during the membership year. For example, if you become unemployed, retire or take time to raise a family. 

If you are experiencing financial hardship, or there are extenuating circumstances, you can apply for a refund in writing to the Chief Executive Officer.

If you would like to change your membership, contact us at [email protected] for assistance. 

*To receive this credit, membership with Dietitians Australia needs to remain current (not become lapsed or deferred)