Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Fellowships 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Fellowships. ACU Fellowships facilitate collaboration at a distance and the creation of valuable new partnerships between ACU member universities across the Commonwealth. These partnerships are developed through research visits for a period of 1 to 6 months to an ACU member university in a different country. 

Accountancy Fellowship – Supported by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 

1 award available of up to 2,500 GBP 

The Accountancy Fellowship aims to strengthen financial sustainability in higher education by fostering collaboration among finance and funding experts across the Commonwealth. The fellowship aligns with the ACU’s Higher Education Taskforce working group on Finance and Funding, contributing to discussions on financial resilience, strengthening links between academics and policymakers to maximise the impact of research projects, supporting universities in building long-term financial sustainability in addition to sharing best practices for funding higher education institutions. 

Aside from a curriculum in global health policy, gender equity and leadership, this hybrid fellowship journey includes:

• Training and workshops delivered by experts

• Personalized mentorship

• Guidance in the design of a leadership project

• Fully funded one week in-person training (including transportation, accommodation, and meals)

• Financial stipend*

In-Person Training*

All participants will be expected to attend the one-week in-person training. Transportation, accommodations and meals will be provided.

Financial Support*

This fellowship will provide participants with a living and family support stipend to cover lost wages, child or elder care, or other expenses to support their full participation in the program.

Competencies

Throughout the program, participants can expect to gain knowledge and skills in the following competencies:

• Gender Equity and Intersectional Analysis: The ability to apply an intersectional and/or gender equity lens to health systems and/or health systems research.

• Global Health Policy and Advocacy: The ability to work around policy development, communication, cohesion, and advocacy to address the political environment and organizational culture of health institutions.

• Leadership: The ability to create a vision which empowers others, fosters collaboration, lead, guide decision-making and support diverse team members, to recognize and challenge gender inequity within their organization.

• Mentorship: The ability to develop and realize their leadership potential, their skillset, recognize opportunities for change, and optimize institutional resources to promote gender equity through their work.

Fellowship Phases

The fellowship lasts 12 months. Programming for the fellowship will consist of three phases.

PhaseActivitiesPre-Start·         Information package (with information for in-person sessions)·         Pre-survey to gage knowledge, skills, needs and expectations.Phase 1(Online)·         Online learning sessions on global health, gender equity, policy and knowledge translation·         Individual and group work, readings, reflexive exercises·         Guest lecturersPhase 2(Hybrid) ·         Online learning sessions·         Intensive one-week in-person training and guest speakers·         Mentor matching and mentorship trainingPhase 3(Online)·         One-on-one mentorship sessions and training·         Development and presentation of a leadership project·         Exit interviews and recommendations for next fellowship cohortPost Fellowship ·         Invitation to participate in alumni network and/or to become an advisor to future cohorts

Application Process

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI). We invite all candidates to register through our online EOI form to show their interest in the fellowship. It should only take about 15 – 20 minutes to complete. The EOI deadline is May 22, 2026.

Step 2: Full Application (Invitation only). Candidates whose EOI meet or exceed the eligibility and selection criteria will be invited to submit a full application. The final 18 fellows for the 2026/27 cohort will be selected from this pool. The deadline for full applications will be end of June or early July, 2026.