About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The funding initiative is designed to promote academic development, international mobility, and cross-cultural collaboration by enabling students to attend summer or winter schools at eligible ACU member institutions in another Commonwealth country. Applications opened on 14 July 2026 and will remain open until 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC.
The Global Grants programme reflects the ACU’s commitment to strengthening higher education partnerships and providing students with valuable international learning experiences that enhance their academic and professional development.
Grant Value
The 2026 Global Grants programme will award 10 grants, each worth up to GBP 5,000, to support successful applicants with costs associated with attending eligible academic programmes.
The awards are distributed as follows:
Five grants are reserved for citizens of the United Kingdom, funded through the generous legacy of the HW Paxton Trust.
Five grants are available to citizens of Commonwealth countries outside the United Kingdom, including individuals holding recognised refugee status in a Commonwealth country.
The funding helps reduce financial barriers to international study and supports greater student participation in global educational opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an ACU member university.
Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, or hold recognised refugee status in a Commonwealth country.
Identify an eligible academic programme related to their field of study.
Attend a short-term summer or winter school hosted by an ACU member institution located in another Commonwealth country.
Ensure the selected programme has an official start date between 1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to confirm that both their home institution and intended host university are members of the Association of Commonwealth Universities before submitting an application.
Finance
Required Supporting Documents
Applications must include institutional endorsements demonstrating academic support for the proposed study opportunity.
Applicants are required to submit:
A letter of institutional support from either:
A departmental head, or
An academic supervisor or course coordinator.
A letter of support from the host institution offering the proposed academic programme.
These documents help demonstrate both the academic value of the programme and the applicant’s readiness to participate successfully
Eligible Academic Programmes
The Global Grants are intended exclusively for participation in short-term academic programmes.
Eligible programmes must:
Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12)
Be recognised summer schools or winter schools.
Be directly related to the applicant’s academic discipline.
Be delivered by an ACU member institution.
Take place in a Commonwealth country different from the applicant’s own.
The programme should provide meaningful academic enrichment while contributing to the student’s broader educational goals.
How to Apply
Students interested in applying should complete the following steps:
Review the official Application Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions.
Create a MyACU account if they do not already have one.
Log into the MyACU portal.
Complete and submit the online application form before the deadline.
Upload all required supporting documentation.
How to apply