Membership

AESOP is a network of universities and university departments that teach and conduct research within the field of urban and regional planning. The network exists to promote the development of the teaching curricula and research within the Member Schools through regular dialogue, exchange visits and the dissemination of research and best practice. 

All prominent planning schools in Europe are members, and more and more schools and individuals in the world of planning are deciding to join. Also wishing to associate themselves with our aims and activities are a number of enlightened organisations concerned with planning aspects of government, property and development. AESOP has over 175 members including 100 full members and 40 associate members. As a member of AESOP you will be informed by e-mail on several planning-related activities.

Membership categories

Full membership

The core membership consists of planning schools within institutions of higher education in Europe. Eligible for full membership is a school or similar unit within an institution of higher education, with permanent staff of planning-educators; planning courses on Bachelor and/or Master degree level; planning research expected as well as links with other planning schools. At least 1/3 of the courses should have a clear focus on planning content (theory and practice), and another 1/3 of the courses should be in support of planning practices, such as methods and techniques.  The full members hold voting rights and hence, through their representatives, chiefly determine AESOP policies and procedures.

Full membership fee:  € 600 per year (5O% discount if the country has a low GDP according to the World Bank criteria).
Associate membership

A school within Europe where some teaching of planning occurs, usually as a specialism within a course, for example social sciences, geography or architecture, may become an associate member.

Associate membership fee: € 300 per year (5O% discount if the country has a low GDP according to the World Bank criteria).
Affiliate membership

Firms, organisations or agencies directly concerned with planning are appreciated as affiliate member.

Affiliate membership fee: € 300 per year (5O% discount if the country has a low GDP according to the World Bank criteria).
Individual membership

 An individual who is interested in planning and planning education may join as an individual member.

Individual membership fee: € 150 per year (5O% discount if the country has a low GDP according to the World Bank criteria).

How to apply?


Fill in the correct application form by clicking on the link below:

When you send your application form, you will receive an e-mail from the Secretary-General from AESOP to confirm he received your application. He might also ask you to send more background information.

AESOP will seek independent opinions as to your school's suitability for admission as a member in the category full or associate membership. Your application will then be considered, along with the responses from referees, at the next meeting of the Executive Committee (The Executive Committee has meetings approximately every third month). The Secretary-General will notify your nominated contact person of the decision.

The Secretary-General has delegated power from the Executive Committee to determine applications for individual membership, but will first seek the opinion of a referee. The Secretary-General will notify you of the decision and report it in the next meeting of the Executive Committee for ratification.

Additional information can be obtained from  the Secretary General