The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has officially extended the application deadline for its ACU Expert Group Fellowships and ACU Expert Group Grants 2026, providing researchers, academics, and universities across the Commonwealth with more time to apply for these prestigious funding opportunities.

The new deadline for both opportunities is:

9 June 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC

These programmes support impactful research and university-led initiatives focused on some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including:

• Health
• Oceans
• Sustainable Urbanisation

Although both programmes are connected to the ACU Expert Groups, they target different types of applicants and offer different funding structures and opportunities.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each opportunity.

1. ACU Expert Group Fellowships 2026

The ACU Expert Group Fellowships 2026 are designed to support researchers conducting policy-relevant research on major global issues affecting Commonwealth countries and the wider international community.

This fellowship programme offers researchers the opportunity to contribute directly to international policy discussions while receiving financial support for their work.

Fellowship Research Themes

For the 2026 cycle, the fellowship programme focuses on:

• Health
• Oceans

Applicants are expected to submit research proposals that address current challenges, policy gaps, innovative solutions, or evidence-based recommendations within these thematic areas.

Fellowship Funding

Successful applicants can receive:

• Up to GBP 13,000 per fellowship

The funding is intended to support research activities, project implementation, analysis, dissemination, and production of policy-focused outputs.

Major Benefits of the Fellowship

1. Research Funding

Researchers receive substantial funding support to conduct high-impact policy-relevant research.

2. International Recognition

Selected fellows gain visibility within international academic and policy communities.

3. Contribution to High-Level Policy Discussions

Research findings from the fellowship programme will help inform discussions at major Commonwealth forums.

4. Opportunity to Present at CHOGM 2026

One of the most exciting benefits is the possibility of presenting research at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

This provides fellows with direct exposure to policymakers, global leaders, and international stakeholders.

5. Global Networking Opportunities

Fellows become part of an international network of experts, academics, and policymakers across Commonwealth countries.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship opportunity is ideal for:

• Researchers
• Academics
• Policy analysts
• University scholars
• Experts in Health or Oceans-related fields
• Early-career and mid-career researchers

Applicants with strong policy-oriented research ideas are strongly encouraged to apply.

Click here for more and to apply 

For more global fellowship opportunities Click here

2. ACU Expert Group Grants 2026

The ACU Expert Group Grants 2026 are designed to support collaborative university projects and institutional initiatives linked to the ACU Expert Groups.

Unlike the fellowships, which focus on individual policy research, the grants support practical university-based activities and collaborations.

Grant Themes

The grants support projects connected to:

• Health
• Oceans
• Sustainable Urbanisation

Projects may include:

• Workshops
• Research collaborations
• Knowledge-sharing activities
• Institutional partnerships
• Academic events
• Capacity-building initiatives
• Collaborative projects among universities

Grant Funding

For each Expert Group:

• Three grants of up to GBP 4,000 each will be awarded

The grants are intended to support smaller-scale but impactful academic and institutional initiatives.

Benefits of the Grant Programme

1. Support for University Projects

The grants provide financial support for collaborative academic activities and institutional initiatives.

2. Strengthening Commonwealth Collaboration

The programme promotes partnerships and knowledge exchange among universities across Commonwealth countries.

3. Encouraging Innovation

The grants help institutions develop creative and interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.

4. Expanding Institutional Networks

Participating universities gain opportunities to connect with international academic and policy communities.

Who Should Apply?

The grant programme is suitable for:

• Universities
• Academic departments
• Research groups
• Institutional partnerships
• Collaborative academic teams
• University-led projects

Applicants should demonstrate how their project aligns with the selected thematic area and contributes to collaboration or impact.

Click here for more and to apply.

For more global grant opportunities Click here

Why These Opportunities Matter

The ACU Expert Group programmes play an important role in promoting evidence-based solutions to global challenges affecting Commonwealth nations.

Through research funding, academic collaboration, and international networking, these opportunities help researchers and universities contribute meaningfully to policy development and sustainable progress.

The programmes also strengthen international cooperation among Commonwealth institutions while supporting innovation, research excellence, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Application Deadline

The deadline for both opportunities is:

9 June 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals early and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The ACU Expert Group Fellowships and Grants 2026 provide exceptional opportunities for researchers and universities seeking funding, international collaboration, and policy impact.

Whether through high-level policy research or collaborative university initiatives, these programmes offer valuable support for addressing major global development challenges.

Researchers and institutions working in Health, Oceans, and Sustainable Urbanisation should strongly consider applying before the extended deadline.