Who can join UCU?
The national UCU rules state that anyone who works as an academic, lecturer, trainer, instructor, researcher, administrator, manager, computer staff, librarian or postgraduate in a UK university, college, prison, adult education or training organisation can join UCU.
How much does the membership cost?
UCU membership fees are made of national and local subscriptions. The amounts are determined by your income band.
The national subscription rates are as follows:
| Employment income band (excluding London Weighting) | Including political fund (per month) | Excluding political fund (per month) |
| £60,000 & above (F0) | £27.38 | £27.11 |
| £40,000 – £59,999 (F1) | £24.17 | £23.94 |
| £30,000 – £39,999 (F2) | £21.26 | £21.06 |
| £22,000 – £29,999 (F3) | £18.13 | £17.96 |
| £15,000 – £21,999 (F4) | £10.81 | £10.71 |
| £5,000 – £14,999 (F5) | £4.71 | £4.67 |
| Below £5,000 (F6) | £1.00 | £0.99 |
UCU operates a political fund which expressly does not contribute to any political party, but is used for campaigning and lobbying to promote the interests of UCU members. The contribution level is one percent of the national subscription rate. Members may opt in to the fund.
Can students join UCU?
Yes! UCU has a student membership for postgraduate students. This membership is primarily aimed at students who are planning a career in higher education and it is completely free. While this membership will not give you voting rights, it will allow you to take part in all of the activities of your local branch.
What about PhD students?
PhD students who teach are eligible and encouraged to join UCU for free for up to four years. When joining, it is important you select the ‘standard full membership’ option and tick ‘yes’ under ‘eligible for free membership’. This will give you all the same rights as subscription-paying members whilst you complete your degree (including voting, support with problems at work, legal support and access to the local and national fighting funds if you experience pay deductions following industrial action).
How can I join?
Just click on the following link and fill out the online form.
Claim 66% of Your UCU Membership Fees Back
You can reclaim 66% of your UCU membership fees through the UK tax system by claiming relief on professional subscriptions — a process supported by HMRC. If you personally pay a union or professional body that appears on HMRC’s approved “List 3”, and it’s relevant to your role, you can claim tax relief on those fees. Basic-rate taxpayers effectively pay 66% of the fee after relief (a £100 payment costs £66 in real terms), while higher-rate taxpayers benefit even more. You can claim for the current tax year and up to four previous years . The claim can be made easily online, via HMRC’s service, by completing form P87 (for claims under £2,500), or through your Self‑Assessment tax return. Keep your receipts or payment proof, and HMRC will adjust your tax code or refund the overpaid tax. This straightforward claim helps reduce the real cost of UCU membership and supports your professional representation.
Start your claim here.
For more information, go to the national joining UCU FAQs on the national UCU homepage.
Sussex UCU, Brighton, UK 