The ACU Global Grants 2026 provide funding for undergraduate students at Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) member institutions to participate in short-term academic programmes in another Commonwealth country.
The grants promote international learning, academic collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange across the Commonwealth.
ACU Global Grants Summary
- Host Organization: Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
- Host Region: Commonwealth Countries
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Number of Awards: 10
- Award Value: Up to GBP £5,000
- Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
About the ACU Global Grants
The ACU Global Grants support undergraduate students who wish to attend short-term academic programmes, such as summer or winter schools, at ACU member universities in another Commonwealth country.
Administered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), with some funding provided by the HW Paxton Trust, the programme encourages academic development, international mobility, and collaboration among Commonwealth institutions.
ACU Global Grants Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Funding of up to GBP £5,000.
- Financial support to attend an eligible short-term academic programme.
- Opportunities for international academic and cultural exchange.
- Access to learning experiences at another ACU member university.
The awards include:
- Five grants for citizens of the United Kingdom.
- Five grants for citizens of, or individuals holding refugee status in, Commonwealth countries outside the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an ACU member institution.
- Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, a Commonwealth country.
- Have identified an eligible short-term academic programme (such as a summer or winter school) related to their field of study.
- Ensure the programme is hosted by an ACU member institution in a Commonwealth country.
- Attend a programme with an official start date between 1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027.
- Obtain a letter of institutional support from their department head, academic advisor, or course supervisor.
- Obtain a letter of support from the host institution offering the programme.
Grant Conditions
Recipients are expected to:
- Participate in the approved short-term academic programme.
- Represent their home institution responsibly throughout the programme.
- Comply with all ACU grant terms and conditions.
- Complete any reporting requirements after the programme concludes.
How to Apply
To apply for the ACU Global Grants:
- Review the official application guidance and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
- Identify an eligible short-term programme at an ACU member institution.
- Obtain the required institutional and host support letters.
- Log in to your MyACU account, or create one if you do not already have one.
- Complete and submit the online application before 25 August 2026.
📋 Required Documents
- Letter of institutional support
- Letter of support from the proposed host institution
- Details of the proposed short-term academic programme
- Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process
- Completed online application form