At Golden Key, we’re here to help you.
We want to make your experience as enriching as possible, so if you have a question—whether you’re a student member, officer, advisor or alumnus—don’t hesitate to contact us. But first, check out frequently asked questions for each section. After all, great minds think alike.
About GK
What is Golden Key?
Golden Key is the world’s largest collegiate honor society. Membership is by invitation only and applies to the top 15 % of college and university sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as top‑performing graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on academic achievement. Golden Key has chapters at over 400 colleges and universities in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, The Bahamas and the United States. It is a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and is registered regionally in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and other countries.
What are Golden Key’s mission and values?
- Mission: To enable members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.
- Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Diversity, Excellence and Engagement.
Why should I join Golden Key?
The Society offers members valuable opportunities for individual growth through three pillars: academics, leadership and service. Members receive scholarships and awards (available only to members), career‑development resources, networking and literacy‑service opportunities, and unique discounts from partner companies.
Who are Golden Key members?
Members include more than 2 million people from over 190 countries—students, faculty, university staff, presidents, teachers, doctors, engineers, social workers, entrepreneurs, politicians, military leaders, and other prominent figures. Notable members have included Desmond Tutu, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, and Margaret Atwood.
When and how was Golden Key founded?
Founded by a group of undergraduate students and faculty at Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) on 29 November 1977. In 2001 the name changed to Golden Key International Honour Society to reflect its global presence. Expansion timeline:
- 1977 – United States
- 1993 – Australia
- 1997 – Canada
- 1998 – Malaysia
- 1999 – New Zealand
- 2000 – South Africa
- 2010 – The Bahamas
How is Golden Key governed?
- Board of Directors: College/university presidents & vice‑presidents, higher‑education leaders, corporate leaders, student and alumni members, founding members.
- International Leadership Council: President, vice‑president, secretary, alumni member, student member (elected by chapter voting delegates).
- Council of Advisors: One advisor per region.
- Council of Student Members: One student member per region.
What exactly is an honor society, and why haven’t I heard of Golden Key before?
Honor societies have existed in U.S. universities for more than two centuries, providing academic recognition and professional/social networking for high‑achieving students. Golden Key now operates at 400 universities/colleges across eight countries.
Do I need to be involved in activities to be a Golden Key member?
No. Membership is based solely on meeting academic criteria; participation in activities is voluntary but highly encouraged. Active members can develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and expand their personal network. Corporate and nonprofit partners also offer jobs, internships and special consumer programs.
News & Events
What type of events take place?
Golden Key hosts an International Summit every other year and multiple Regional Summits annually. Recent Leadership Summits (2019) were held in Chicago (USA), Niagara Falls (Canada), Adelaide (Australia), Houston (USA) and South Africa.
In what activities are Golden Key chapters involved?
Chapters organize education‑based service activities, leadership workshops, professional‑development sessions, speaker series, community‑service events, and more. They also promote the global service initiative SPARK a Change, which aims to improve the lives of at‑risk youth (ages 0‑17) through literacy, education and real‑world preparedness.
How do I RSVP (confirm attendance) for an event?
After payment, you will receive a join‑confirmation email containing your member ID and a link to your chapter’s New Member Recognition Event registration page. You can also log in to the “My Chapter” menu on the Golden Key website to view and register for upcoming events. For assistance, email your regional centre:
- memberservices@goldenkey.org – USA/Canada/Bahamas
- apac@goldenkey.org – Australia/New Zealand
- southafrica@goldenkey.org – South Africa
Members & Chapters
(The following FAQs are duplicated in the original source; they are retained here for completeness.)
- Why should I join Golden Key? – See “Why should I join Golden Key?” above.
- In what activities are Golden Key chapters involved? – See “In what activities are Golden Key chapters involved?” above.
- Do I need to be involved in activities to be a Golden Key member? – See “Do I need to be involved in activities?” above.
- After graduation, will I continue to receive benefits?
- Yes. Graduates can apply for graduate‑school scholarships, attend virtual career fairs, receive member‑only discounts, and stay involved with their local chapter. Keep your contact information up‑to‑date on the Golden Key website.
- Are graduate students allowed to join?
- Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States allow graduate‑student membership. Malaysia does not. U.S. chapters may conduct separate graduate‑student mailing campaigns. eligibility varies by country; contact your chapter advisor or Golden Key Headquarters for details.
- How does Golden Key help me with jobs and internships?
- Through partnerships with corporate and nonprofit organizations that provide internship and career opportunities to members.
- How is the membership fee used?
- Fees are shared between the local chapter and international headquarters and fund scholarships, New Member Recognition Events, local academic/service/social activities, International Summits, staff support, technology, benefits development, public‑relations, and more.
- I am already a member of another honor society. Does that mean I am already a member of Golden Key?
- No. Golden Key is independent; you must accept a Golden Key invitation and complete its own application process.
New Chapter Chartering
Golden Key is not present on my campus, can I still join?
Yes. You may join as an individual member or start a new chapter. For chartering questions, email mleitzell@goldenkey.org.
How do I start a chapter?
- Follow your institution’s requirements for forming a student organization (including appointing a faculty/staff advisor and recruiting enough interested students).
- Submit the prospective charter application (downloadable from the Golden Key website) to mleitzell@goldenkey.org.
- Once the chapter reaches 25 new members, it receives an initial funding of $750; additional funds (up to another $750) are available for attending International/Regional Leadership Summits.
Who can be a chapter advisor?
Any full‑time faculty, staff, or administrator at your college/university.
What officer positions are typical?
Most chapters have a President, Vice‑President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additional roles may include Service Chair, Webmaster, and Recruitment Chair. The first five chartering officers have their membership fees waived.
Time commitment for starting a chapter (USA)
Varies with your campus’s organization‑approval process and your ability to recruit officers and an advisor. Golden Key provides resources and support throughout.
Benefits for chartering officers (USA)
- Waived membership fees for the first five chartering officers.
- Access to scholarships, resources, and all member privileges.
- Contact the expansion lead at tross@goldenkey.org for more details.
Expectations for new chapters (USA)
- Adhere to local university policies and Golden Key bylaws.
- Maintain regular communication with Headquarters.
- Host an annual membership drive (≈ 80 days) to identify and invite the top 15 % of eligible students.
- Conduct at least one New Member Recognition Event after the drive.
Membership drive definition (USA)
An 80‑day period during which chapters inform eligible students of their academic achievement and invite them to join. Chapters are encouraged to hold information sessions and events to publicize the invitation.
Charter approval timeline
After submitting the charter application, the International Leadership Council reviews it within 7‑30 days. An approval email follows if successful.
Next steps after approval
The expansion lead will contact you with an overview of Golden Key and begin the process of building your chapter.
Point of contact for questions (USA)
Email TRoss@goldenkey.org. After the chapter is operational, you will work with the regional Associate Director (AD) for ongoing support.
Alumni
After graduation, will I continue to receive benefits?
(Repeated – see “Members & Chapters” section.)
Joining GK
Why should I join Golden Key?
(Repeated – see “About GK” section.)
What activities are Golden Key chapters involved in?
(Repeated – see “News & Events” and “Members & Chapters” sections.)
Terms & Conditions of Golden Key membership (Asia‑Pacific)
- Membership is extended to students in the top 15 % of their cohort (or equivalent criteria).
- Golden Key may approve eligibility at its discretion when local benchmarks are unavailable.
- The fee is for lifetime membership; no further renewals are required. “Lifetime” is defined as the life of the product—if the product is discontinued, Golden Key has no liability to continue services.
- Benefits are subject to change without notice.
- Members can update contact preferences at any time.
- Participation in events is voluntary.
- Refer to the Order & Shipping Policy and Privacy Policy for fulfillment and data‑handling details.
I didn’t get the invitation but I meet the requirements – how can I join?
Region | How to proceed |
|---|---|
USA, Canada, The Bahamas | Contact your campus chapter advisor; if unavailable, call 1‑800‑377‑2401 or email memberservices@goldenkey.org. |
Australia / New Zealand | Email a copy of your recent transcript (last 2 years) to apac@goldenkey.org for verification. |
South Africa | Email a recent transcript to southafrica@goldenkey.org (only for universities where Golden Key is active). |
Why haven’t I received an invitation?
Possible reasons include: recent academic standing not yet reflected in the registrar list, mail sent to an outdated address, opting out of the list, omission by the registrar, or the letter being lost in the mail.
How much does it cost to join Golden Key?
- Australia – AUD 110*
- Canada – CAD 95
- New Zealand – NZD 125*
- South Africa – ZAR 799
- The Bahamas – USD 95
- United States – USD 95
(*fees may vary by region and are subject to change.)
I don’t have the money to join now. What can I do?
In the U.S., Canada and Asia‑Pacific the invitation is valid for one year from the postmark date; in South Africa it must be used by 1 December of the invitation year. Partial payments are not accepted; the full fee must accompany the Membership Acceptance Form.
Refund policy for the membership fee
- USA/Canada: Request a full refund within 14 days of payment by emailing ldurrant@goldenkey.org. After 14 days refunds are unavailable.
- Asia‑Pacific: No refunds for membership or merchandise; the membership provides immediate access to benefits.
- South Africa & Global Merchandise: No refunds; contact the appropriate regional email for issues with received items.
What should I do now that I have received the invitation?
- Option A: Join online via the secure website (available for U.S., Canada, and Asia‑Pacific). Follow the instructions in your invitation letter/email.
- Option B: Complete the online join form, print it, and mail it with payment to your regional headquarters.
After joining, attend the New Member Recognition Event (you may bring guests, but RSVP may be required).
I received another invitation this year—do I have to pay again?
No. You only pay the membership fee once. Duplicate invitations may result from name mismatches, a recent name change, or a transfer to another university. Update your profile at www.goldenkey.org or contact Member Services.
I have lost my invitation letter – can I get another?
- USA: Request a replacement from your campus advisor (provide name and current mailing address). If the advisor is unavailable, email memberservices@goldenkey.org.
- Canada: Request an email invitation via isankey@goldenkey.org.
- Asia‑Pacific: A replacement invitation code can be issued after eligibility verification; the original letter cannot be reprinted. Email apac@goldenkey.org.
- South Africa: Email southafrica@goldenkey.org with your name, surname and university; an invitation will be emailed after eligibility confirmation.
Do I have to pay annual membership dues?
No. The membership fee is a one‑time, lifetime fee.
I’m already a member but haven’t heard from the Society. Why?
Ensure the Society has your current contact information. Update your profile on the Golden Key website (My Profile). Attend local chapter events to stay connected. Your Member ID can be found in your confirmation email.
I recently transferred schools – can I join?
If your new university accepts your transfer GPA/average and you meet the eligibility criteria, you may join. You can also join as an individual and start a new chapter on campus.
Scholarships & Awards
What scholarships are available?
Golden Key awards thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, available only to members. Details, deadlines, and application forms are posted on the Golden Key website. For questions, email scholarships@goldenkey.org.
Are scholarship deadlines strict?
Yes. Applications must be postmarked by the listed deadline.
My country uses a different GPA system – what should I do?
Calculate the equivalent U.S. GPA using a conversion tool (link provided on the scholarship page). Include a brief cover letter explaining your regional GPA system. Specific conversion resources are available for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Are scholarships offered at each local chapter (USA/Canada)?
Yes. Each local chapter awards at least one “Golden Key Chapter Scholarship” each year. New members whose acceptance forms are received by the membership deadline are eligible. U.S. winners must submit a completed W‑9 for disbursement.
How do I apply for scholarships?
Visit https://www.goldenkey.org/scholarships-awards/how-to-apply-and-results/ for full application instructions.
When will I learn the results?
Result notification dates are listed on the same scholarship page.
Program & Privileges
- Jobs & Internships: Golden Key partners with corporate and nonprofit organizations to provide members with internship and career opportunities.
- Membership fee usage: (see “How is the membership fee used?” above).
- Activity participation: Voluntary, but encouraged for networking, leadership development, and community service.
Merchandise
Where can I purchase Golden Key merchandise (pins, charms, etc.)?
Log in to the Golden Key shop on the website (available after you join).
Refund policy for merchandise:
All merchandise is non‑refundable; orders cannot be canceled after placement. Shipping times:
- Canada: Orders shipped within 72 hours; personalized items may take up to 2 weeks; typical arrival within 3 weeks.
- Australia: Shipped via Australia Post; delivery times vary; customs duties may apply (buyer responsible).
For issues with received items, contact your regional email:
- US – memberservices@goldenkey.org
- Canada – isankey@goldenkey.org
- Asia‑Pacific – apac@goldenkey.org
- South Africa – southafrica@goldenkey.org
Final Call‑to‑Action
Not a Golden Key member?
Join over two million people worldwide.
[See if you qualify](https://www.goldenkey.org/golden-key-eligibility/)