ACU Expert Group Fellowships 2026

Overview

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) offers the ACU Expert Group Fellowship programme to academic and professional services staff at ACU member universities worldwide. Each fellowship funds a short-term research visit (1 to 6 months) to an ACU member university in a different Commonwealth country, running from September 2026 to July 2027. The 2026 cycle includes a general research category and a dedicated Accountancy Fellowship for professionals focused on higher education financial sustainability. Awards are up to GBP 2,500. Applications close at 15:00 UTC on 25 June 2026. This is a staff mobility grant, not a student scholarship; candidates must hold a current university appointment.

Benefits

• Grant of up to GBP 2,500 to cover travel, accommodation, and associated costs of the research visit.
• Connection to the ACU’s global network of over 400 member universities across 40 Commonwealth countries.
• Opportunity to formalise institutional partnerships and co-author publications with the host university.
• Certificate of completion from the ACU upon successful fulfilment of the fellowship.

Eligibility

• Must be a current academic or professional services staff member at an ACU member university.
• Must be visiting an ACU member university in a different country from the one where you are employed.
• The host collaborator must be identified and willing to confirm the visit before applying.
• No minimum rank or seniority requirement, but the research or professional development project must be clearly defined.
• Citizens of any ACU member country are eligible; priority is given to visits involving universities in lower-income Commonwealth countries.

How to apply

1. Confirm that both your home and host institutions are ACU member universities (full list at acu.ac.uk).
2. Agree on a visit plan with your host collaborator: dates (September 2026 to July 2027), activities, and expected outputs.
3. Create or log in to your MyACU account at the ACU website.
4. Complete the online fellowship application, describing the proposed visit, its relevance to your research or professional development, and expected outcomes.
5. Submit by 25 June 2026 at 15:00 UTC. Applications submitted after this time will not be assessed.
6. Successful applicants are notified in August 2026.