Fellow

We have made it more straightforward for you to apply for Fellow. You will be asked to answer three questions that will highlight your areas of expertise and experience in the field, submit an up-to-date CV and identify two referees.

If you are considering applying to become a Fellow, you must meet the following criteria:

• demonstrate that you currently hold, or have previously held, a senior position with significant responsibility and influence
• show you have made a significant contribution to the art, science and application of chemical and process engineering knowledge and skills over a sustained period.

Existing members may apply to transfer to the grade of Fellow, while non-members are also welcome to apply. All applicants must meet the specified requirements, and our application process allows you to highlight your qualifications in various ways.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact applications@icheme.org.

• Fellow is IChemE's highest level of membership, recognising your seniority and significant contributions to chemical and process engineering
• Gain peer-reviewed recognition for your leadership and impact within the industry
• Enjoy the prestigious postnominals FIChemE
• Receive invitations to Fellow networking events, offering opportunities to connect with fellow leaders in the field
• Play an influential role in shaping IChemE’s networks and events, helping to steer the future of chemical and process engineering
• Strengthen IChemE’s voice in representing its membership, enhancing our ability to influence both nationally and globally
• Enjoy access to all the member benefits available to IChemE members

Learn more about the benefits of IChemE Membership.

Before starting your application, please check you are eligible in the 'Who can apply to become a Fellow' section.

To start your Fellow Membership application you must first register or log in to our online application portal.

1. Answer three questions: complete the Fellow contribution form
   a. Question 1: Your contribution to the profession
   b. Select two additional questions that highlight your areas of expertise
2. Prepare your CV
3. Identify two referees: Ask two individuals to complete the referee form (ideally these will be current Fellows of IChemE)

Read our frequently asked questions for essential information about your application.

New members will need to pay an application fee plus the membership fee. 

The membership fees below are for July to September 2026, which covers your membership up to December 2026.

The application fee is:

• Country Group 1: GBP 168.00
• Country Group 2: GBP 134.50
• Australia: GBP 168.00 +10% GST
• New Zealand: GBP 168.00 +15% GST

Our membership bands align with the World Bank's 'country classifications by income level'. Those in Country Group 1 pay the standard rate for the relevant membership grade, members in Country Group 2 pay approximately 80% of the standard rate.

If you are unsuccessful at achieving Fellow, you will be refunded for the membership fee. The application fee is non-refundable.

For information on the membership fee, please visit our annual subscription page.

IChemE's subscription year runs from January to December with payment due on 1 January each year. View the current rates for existing members.

This section refers to your senior roles in strategic boards or committees, such as IChemE or other relevant organisations, where you have made a demonstrable contribution to advancing the art, science, and application of chemical and process engineering. This may include non-governmental bodies, government committees, and not-for-profit organisations. Long-standing service at local levels (eg IChemE networks) may also be considered. Please provide detailed examples of your achievements in these roles.

You may select two questions from the following categories. These questions have been designed to help you showcase your experience and expertise in chemical or process engineering.

• Technological innovation and achievement
• Strategic leadership
• Contributions to original research
• Reputation
• Entrepreneurship
• Responsibility
• Enterprise

Detailed examples of each category can be found in the appendix of this document, which may also be used to prepare your responses ahead of submitting them via our online application system.

We recommend a maximum of 500 words per question.

Although you may use quotations, their use should be limited. Your application should be able to stand on its own without relying on them. For this reason, we suggest asking these individuals to serve as your referees instead.

Ensure your CV is up-to-date and relevant, and exclude any personal information you do not wish for the Professional Reviewers to see.

Your application will be reviewed by two Professional Reviewers, who are Fellows of IChemE. They may request clarification or arrange an interview with you. Once reviewed, a panel from the Registration Subcommittee shall decide whether to confirm the recommendation. IChemE staff will inform you of the outcome, and you'll receive written confirmation.

You will need two referees to support your application:

1. The first should be a current IChemE Fellow member and they should also be Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council.
2. The second should be either:
    
   • a member of the Institution qualified as in (1) above; or
   • a professionally registered individual; this referee does not need to be an IChemE member but must hold a professional registration that is accepted by IChemE*; or
   • a competent professional engineer; these will be reviewed for suitability on a case by case basis by the Membership and Qualifications Committee or its delegated authority.

*CEng with Engineering Council, CSci with Science Council, CEnv with Society for the Environment, CPEng with Engineers Australia or Engineering New Zealand, CEng MIEI with EI, Ir with Board of Engineers Malaysia, IntPE with International Professional Engineers Agreement.

The Fellow route does not grant you Chartered Chemical Engineer, Professional Process Safety Engineer or the CEng registration. However, if you already hold these, they will not be affected. Please contact us if you’re unsure which route is best for you.

There are no specific academic qualifications required to become a Fellow.

Yes, all Fellows are expected to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with IChemE’s policy.

Yes, IChemE has an appeals process. Details can be provided upon request via applications@icheme.org.