Supporting the next generation of architects
SONA is the Student Organised Network for Architecture and the official student body of the Australian Institute of Architects (The Institute). It is a national, student-led community that supports students studying architecture and the built environment.
As a SONA member, you gain access to industry insight, professional networks, and opportunities that support you throughout your studies and into your future career. Designed for students in architecture and allied disciplines, membership helps bridge the gap between education and practice.
The Institute supports you as you move from student to professional, offering guidance, connection, and a platform to engage with the architectural profession from day one.
*Review recognised architecture courses in Australia
Receive Architecture Australia, keeping you informed and inspired throughout your studies.
Access high-quality resources used by practising architects to support your learning and assignments.
Connect with experienced professionals and gain career guidance through our Mentorloop platform.
Be in the room. Learn how architects think, talk, and work as you begin making your mark.
Enjoy exclusive discounts and offers available only to student members, including savings on books and resources.
Have your projects published and shared nationally through de-PICT.
Participate in member-only competitions such as Super Studio and explore new design challenges.
Join an online forum to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with other student members.
Gain exclusive exposure to industry professionals and opportunities through programs like Beyond Uni.
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SONA (Student Organised Network for Architecture) is the national student-membership body of the Australian Institute of Architects. Student members have access to a huge range of support networks and forums, information, resources, events, prizes and competitions.
There are SONA networks active in all states and territories that are supported by the SONA executive team.
SONA aims to advance the interests of architecture students, their education and the profession as a whole through the promotion of student work and thinking.
SONA members are the new wave of Australian design talent, and we’re set to support tomorrow’s architects with the resources to augment their learning and prepare them for their future careers. By becoming a student member of the Australian Institute of Architects you will gain a better understanding on how the profession works and get the same access to valuable tools and information as the country’s leading firms and practices.
SONA aims to foster a culture of community, leadership and collaboration between students for the advancement of architecture. This is achieved by bringing together students from across the Australia to participate in national and local events, to advocate for students and to offer opportunities for professional development.
Examples of architecture or related courses are,
$49 annual fee (includes GST)
The 2023 SONA membership year is from 1 December 2022 to 31 December 2023.
See the terms and conditions.
All 2023 individual member category rates can be viewed here.
Not active? Login to the portal using your membership number and password to renew your membership today to continue enjoying exclusive benefits and resources.
Unsure of your member portal username (Institute-registered email address) to access the member portal? Contact the membership team for assistance.
See the terms and conditions.
As we approach the end of another year, we would like to thank you for your continued involvement with the Australian Institute of Architects. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and are pleased to confirm that membership renewals for 2026 are now open.
The application will take 10 minutes to complete. Please have your student ID handy!
Complete your application form and online payment.
Look out for your welcome email with your new membership details. We will email you if we need more information.
Start accessing membership benefits right away.
If your qualifications have changed, you may be eligible to move into a higher membership category. This may include access to the appropriate member badge where available, post-nominals, and new benefits aligned with your next career stage.
You can renew your 2026 membership from 5 October 2025 with fees due for payment no later than 14 January 2026.
Congratulations on finishing your Masters of Architecture course!
You may be eligible to elevate to a graduate member. To do this, simply complete the category elevation request form with a certified copy of your graduation certificate or your official academic transcript verifying the successful completion of your course.
Now you have graduated, A supportive community of like-minded individuals awaits you through the Institutes, Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN).
You can still retain your student membership if you are enrolled in a bachelor degree (or higher) course of study in a built-environment related field or deferred from your studies.
yes, you are eligible for SONA membership if you take a gap year. Follow the online join form to apply for membership.
If you are on a study break longer than a year or not sure if you will start a Master’s program, you could be eligible for Affiliate membership (learn more)
Affiliate membership provides the opportunity to connect with professionals in architecture and other related fields, and to continue learning about best practices in the design.
If you would like to discuss membership options, get in touch with the membership team, [email protected]
SONA is the official national student-membership body of the Australian Institute of Architects.
SONA enhances your student membership with the Institute by bringing students together from across Australia to participate in national and local events, advocate for students, and offer opportunities for professional development.
You can still retain your student membership if you are enrolled in a bachelor degree (or higher) course of study in a built-environment related field or deferred from your studies.
If you are not sure, email the membership team [email protected]
Your account may be locked, you may have created an account using an inactive email address, or you have a duplicate account with the institute.
We can help with all of this (and more), send an email to [email protected]
Student membership is not available to,
Show off your Institute membership with a digital membership badge. Exclusive to members, apply your badge to your email signature, portfolio or CV and proudly acknowledge your Institute membership and impress future employers.
SONA members can download their badge via the member portal.
Being a SONA member helps connect you with the profession, helping you shape your future career.
By becoming a student member of the Australian Institute of Architects you will gain a better understanding of how the profession works and get the same access to valuable tools and information as the country’s leading firms and practices.
SONA members have access to valuable information, tools and opportunities to develop knowledge and confidence to enter the profession and make an impact!
Receive Architecture Australia and Architectural Product News digital magazines free for the duration of your membership.
A voice of encouragement when you have doubts – a mentor is someone you can bounce ideas off and get a push in the right direction.
Receive free access to the Acumen Practice Notes, a wealth of practice notes and useful information for assignments and life-long learning. As a SONA member you can familiarise yourself with products the professionals use.
Receive free access to advice and guidance on employment issues, find links to agencies and services that can offer support and assistance at all stages of your career and your life. Learn techniques to reach a healthy work/study life balance.
Push your creativity and design skills to the next level by participating in Upscale & Super Studio (linked to pages). Participation if free for SONA members.
Receive SONA e-news bi-monthly to your inbox, keeping you updated on national wide events, competitions, prizes, policies and industry news
SONA connects you to your peers and the profession through local and national events and competitions.
SONA Members can access ‘Community’ – an online discussion and resources platform where you can communicate and connect on important topics with fellow members.
Be involved in our National architecture conference as a student volunteer. SONA members are always invited to lend a hand so keep an eye out for more details.
An podcast series launched by EmAGN interviewing leading architects. An ideal resource for students entering the world of architecture and wanting to better understand what it means to be an architect in Australia today.
SONA membership makes it easy for you to meet professionals and students from other year levels and universities. Make sure you follow SONA on social media and visit the website regularly.
SONA executive and SONA representatives advocate on behalf of students In 2020, with the theme of renew, SONA will be actively engaged in addressing issues of sustainability, resilience and strength in both the environment and the community that works and learns within it.
Brand new in 2021 SONA members will have access to the Institute communities platform.
This is a new online discussion and resources platform where you can communicate and connect on important topics with fellow members and continue to access these discussions via a dedicated Resource Library.
The Student Organising Network for Architecture (SONA) and the Australian Institute of Architects are proud to announce the chapter and national results for Super Studio 2026. As Australia’s premier national student
The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to welcome Senlina Mayer into the role of National Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) President. The National SONA President leads the national SONA Committee
2025 National SONA Executive Team, Ellie Munn, Senlina Mayer, Orlando Illiopoulos and Matthew Sabransky. The Australian Institute of Architects and the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) are delighted to
2025 Bisset Scholar Sophie Barrett The Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Chapter has announced Sophie Barrett as the recipient of the 2025 Philip Y. Bisset Planning (Architecture) Scholarship. The prestigious award provides a $15,000
FALSE IDOLS named as the 2025 national winner False Idols by Effort For one week over August, student members of the Australian Institute of Architects participated in the 2025 Super
The Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Chapter has announced Maitri Gohel and Lucinda O’Neill as the recipients of the 2024 Philip Y. Bisset Planning (Architecture) Scholarship. This esteemed award, which
