The ACU Global Grants 2026 provide undergraduate students at Association of Commonwealth Universities member institutions with funding to attend short-term academic programmes in another Commonwealth country. Ten grants of up to GBP 5,000 are available. Applications close on 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: ACU Global Grants
Category: Short-term academic mobility grant
Host: Association of Commonwealth Universities
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate students at ACU member institutions
Available Awards: 10
Grant Amount: Up to GBP 5,000
Eligible Programme Start Dates: 1 December 2026–31 August 2027
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC
About the ACU Global Grants 2026
The grants support undergraduate students who want to attend a short-term academic programme hosted by an ACU member institution in a different Commonwealth country.
Eligible activities must be academic programmes described as summer or winter schools. The initiative aims to support academic development, international experience and knowledge exchange among students across the Commonwealth.
A number of the grants are supported through the legacy of the HW Paxton Trust.
Available Grants and Award Allocation
The 2026 call offers ten grants of up to GBP 5,000 each.
The awards are allocated as follows:
✓ Five awards for citizens of the United Kingdom, funded by the HW Paxton Trust
✓ Five awards for citizens of Commonwealth countries other than the United Kingdom
✓ Applicants holding refugee status in eligible Commonwealth countries may be considered under the relevant category
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be registered undergraduate students at an ACU member institution.
They must also:
• Be citizens of a Commonwealth country or hold refugee status in a Commonwealth country
• Identify a programme related to their current studies
• Select a short-term academic programme described as a summer or winter school
• Choose a programme delivered in a Commonwealth country
• Ensure the host is an ACU member institution
• Select a programme with an official start date between 1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027
Applicants should confirm that both their home university and proposed host institution are members of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Institutional Support Requirements
Applicants must obtain support from their current university and the institution hosting the proposed academic programme.
A complete application requires:
• A letter of institutional support from a departmental head or academic or course supervisor at the applicant’s university
• A letter of support from the proposed programme host
The proposed academic programme must be relevant to the applicant’s studies and satisfy the grant’s location and date requirements.
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Eligible Short-Term Academic Programmes
Applicants must identify their proposed programme before submitting the grant application.
The selected programme must:
• Be a summer or winter school
• Relate to the applicant’s studies
• Be hosted by an ACU member institution
• Take place in a Commonwealth country different from the applicant’s home country
• Have an official start date between 1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027
The grant supports attendance at the identified programme. The official page does not describe the award as funding a complete undergraduate degree.
How to Submit an Application
Applicants should first review the official frequently asked questions and application guidance.
The application process requires candidates to:
• Confirm their eligibility
• Identify a suitable short-term academic programme
• Obtain the two required institutional support letters
• Create a MyACU account if they do not already have one
• Follow the account-registration instructions received by email
• Access and complete the Global Grants application form
• Submit the application before 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC
Applicants who already have a MyACU account can log in and access the grant application form directly through the platform.
Key Dates
• Applications opened: 14 July 2026
• Application deadline: 25 August 2026 at 15:00 UTC
• Earliest eligible programme start date: 1 December 2026
• Latest eligible programme start date: 31 August 2027
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official ACU application form below.
