The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has officially opened applications for the ACU Global Grants 2026, providing undergraduate students at ACU member universities with funding to participate in short-term international academic programmes across the Commonwealth.
The Global Grants are designed to encourage academic development, cross-cultural learning, and international collaboration by enabling students to attend summer schools or winter schools hosted by another ACU member institution in a different Commonwealth country.
Successful applicants can receive up to GBP 5,000 to support their participation in eligible academic programmes. The grants also help students build international networks, gain global academic exposure, and broaden their educational experiences beyond their home institutions.
Applications are open from 14 July 2026 and will close on 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC.
About the ACU Global Grants 2026
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is one of the world’s oldest international university networks, bringing together higher education institutions across Commonwealth nations to promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
Through the ACU Global Grants 2026, undergraduate students are given the opportunity to undertake short-term academic programmes abroad within the Commonwealth. These programmes may include summer schools or winter schools that complement students’ academic studies while exposing them to new learning environments and international perspectives.
The grants aim to:
- Support academic excellence.
- Encourage international mobility among undergraduate students.
- Promote knowledge exchange across Commonwealth universities.
- Foster collaboration between institutions.
- Enhance students’ global outlook and intercultural understanding.
A number of these grants are generously funded through the legacy of the HW Paxton Trust, demonstrating a continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Commonwealth students.
What Does the ACU Global Grant Cover?
The ACU Global Grants 2026 provide financial support for undergraduate students participating in eligible short-term academic programmes.
Grant Value
The programme offers:
- 10 Global Grants available in total.
- Each award is worth up to GBP 5,000.
The funding is intended to help cover costs associated with attending an eligible short-term academic programme abroad.
Allocation of Awards
The available grants are divided into two categories:
- Five awards are reserved for citizens of the United Kingdom, funded through the HW Paxton Trust.
- Five awards are available for citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding the United Kingdom) or individuals holding refugee status within a Commonwealth country.
Benefits of the ACU Global Grants
Students selected for the ACU Global Grants will benefit from numerous academic and professional development opportunities, including:
- Funding of up to GBP 5,000.
- Participation in an international summer or winter school.
- Exposure to different academic systems and teaching methods.
- Opportunities to collaborate with students from across the Commonwealth.
- Enhanced intercultural communication skills.
- Broader international academic experience.
- Stronger academic and professional networks.
- Greater global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.
The programme supports not only financial access to international education but also the development of globally engaged graduates.
Who Can Apply?
The ACU Global Grants 2026 are open to undergraduate students studying at eligible universities within the Association of Commonwealth Universities network.
Applicants must satisfy all of the following eligibility requirements.
1. University Enrollment
Applicants must:
- Be currently registered as an undergraduate student at an ACU member institution.
2. Citizenship or Refugee Status
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, or
- Hold refugee status in a Commonwealth country.
3. Eligible Academic Programme
Applicants must identify an academic programme related to their studies.
The proposed programme must:
- Be a short-term academic programme, such as:
- Summer school
- Winter school
- Be hosted by an ACU member institution.
- Be located in a different Commonwealth country.
- Have an official start date between:
1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027
4. Institutional Support
Applicants must provide:
- A letter of institutional support from either:
- Their departmental head, or
- Their academic/course supervisor.
- A letter of support from the proposed host institution.
Only applicants meeting all eligibility requirements will be considered.
Why Apply for the ACU Global Grants?
The ACU Global Grants offer undergraduate students an excellent opportunity to gain international academic experience while receiving financial assistance.
Participating in a short-term international academic programme allows students to:
- Develop new academic knowledge.
- Experience different teaching and learning environments.
- Build international friendships and professional networks.
- Enhance communication and intercultural competencies.
- Improve future employability through international exposure.
- Strengthen academic collaboration between Commonwealth universities.
For many students, the programme serves as a stepping stone toward future international study, research, or professional opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application process through the official ACU platform.
Step 1
Review the:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Official Application Guidance
Step 2
Submit an application using the official online application form.
Step 3
Applicants who already have a MyACU account can log in directly and access the application form.
Step 4
Applicants who do not yet have a MyACU account should:
- Register for a MyACU account.
- Verify their account through the registration email.
- Log into the platform.
- Complete and submit the application.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare all supporting documentation before beginning the online application.
APPLY HERE
Important Dates
Applications Open: 14 July 2026
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC
Late applications may not be accepted.
Conclusion
The ACU Global Grants 2026 provide an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate students across the Commonwealth to gain valuable international academic experience while receiving financial support of up to GBP 5,000. By enabling students to participate in short-term summer and winter schools hosted by ACU member universities, the programme promotes academic excellence, international collaboration, and cultural exchange across the Commonwealth.
Eligible undergraduate students are encouraged to begin preparing their supporting documents and submit their applications before the 25 August 2026 (15:00 UTC) deadline.
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