ACU Fellowships 2026: Funding for Academic and Professional Staff to Build Global Research Partnerships Across the Commonwealth @Unknown

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has officially opened applications for the 2026 ACU Fellowships, offering academic and professional staff from ACU member universities the opportunity to develop international collaborations, exchange expertise, and strengthen partnerships across the Commonwealth.

Designed to promote the sharing of knowledge, skills, and innovative ideas, ACU Fellowships support research visits lasting between one and six months at an ACU member university located in a different country from the applicant’s home institution.

The fellowship programme aims to foster meaningful international partnerships, encourage collaborative research, and contribute to the advancement of higher education throughout the Commonwealth.

Whether you are an academic researcher, finance specialist, policy expert, university administrator, or professional services staff member, the ACU Fellowships provide a valuable opportunity to expand your professional network, enhance your expertise, and contribute to solving global challenges through international cooperation.

Application Deadline

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 28 April 2026
• Applications Close: 25 June 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

About the ACU Fellowships

The ACU Fellowships programme supports collaboration between universities across the Commonwealth by enabling staff members to undertake research and professional exchange visits at partner institutions.

The fellowships are designed to:

• Promote international collaboration.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange.
• Strengthen institutional partnerships.
• Encourage innovative research.
• Build professional capacity.
• Support the development of solutions to shared global challenges.

Through these fellowships, participants gain access to new perspectives, research environments, expertise, and networks that can lead to long-term collaborations and future opportunities.

Fellowship Duration

Successful applicants can undertake research or professional exchange visits lasting:

• Minimum: 1 month
• Maximum: 6 months

Visits must take place at an ACU member university located in a different country from the applicant’s employing institution.

Available ACU Fellowship Opportunities

1. Accountancy Fellowship

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

The Accountancy Fellowship seeks to strengthen financial sustainability within higher education institutions across the Commonwealth.

Award Value

• One fellowship available.
• Funding of up to £2,500 GBP.

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship aligns with the ACU Higher Education Taskforce’s Finance and Funding Working Group and aims to:

• Strengthen financial resilience in higher education.
• Encourage collaboration among finance and funding experts.
• Support evidence-based policymaking.
• Connect academics and policymakers.
• Promote long-term sustainability of higher education institutions.
• Share best practices in university funding and financial management.

Eligible Project Themes

Applicants must propose projects related to one of the following areas:

Higher Education Finance

Projects exploring financial systems, budgeting strategies, resource allocation, and financial management within universities.

Research-to-Policy Engagement

Projects focused on translating research findings into practical policy recommendations and improving collaboration between researchers and policymakers.

Sustainable and Innovative Funding Models

Projects examining new approaches to financing higher education institutions and improving financial sustainability.

2. Hong Kong Inbound and Outbound Fellowships

Supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hong Kong Inbound and Outbound Fellowships are designed to strengthen collaboration and mobility between universities in Hong Kong and institutions across the Commonwealth.

Award Value

• Two fellowships available.
• Funding of up to £2,500 GBP per fellowship.

Fellowship Categories

Hong Kong Inbound Fellowship

Supports travel to Hong Kong from another Commonwealth country.

Hong Kong Outbound Fellowship

Supports travel from Hong Kong to another Commonwealth member country.

Fellowship Objectives

These fellowships aim to:

• Promote international academic mobility.
• Encourage collaborative research.
• Strengthen institutional partnerships.
• Facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange.
• Build sustainable international networks.

Reporting Requirement

All fellowship recipients will be required to submit a report upon completion of their fellowship activities.

Benefits of the ACU Fellowships

Successful fellows will gain access to a wide range of professional and academic benefits.

International Collaboration Opportunities

Participants will:

• Build partnerships with experts across the Commonwealth.
• Develop collaborative research projects.
• Create long-term professional relationships.

Professional Development

Fellows can:

• Enhance their research capabilities.
• Gain exposure to new methodologies and practices.
• Learn from international experts.

Access to New Resources and Facilities

Participants may gain access to:

• Advanced research facilities.
• Specialized laboratories.
• Institutional resources.
• Academic networks.

Career Advancement

The fellowship experience can:

• Strengthen professional credentials.
• Expand international experience.
• Improve future funding and collaboration prospects.

Knowledge Exchange

Fellows will have opportunities to:

• Share expertise.
• Exchange innovative ideas.
• Contribute to institutional capacity building.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an ACU Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements.

Employment Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Academic staff, or
• Professional services staff

at an ACU member university.

Collaboration Requirement

Applicants must:

• Identify a collaborator at an ACU member university in another country.
• Establish contact with the collaborator before applying.
• Develop a proposed project or collaboration plan.

The host institution must be located in a different country from the applicant’s employing university.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify a Collaborator

Applicants must first identify and approach a collaborator at an ACU member university in another Commonwealth country.

Step 2: Review Guidance Materials

Before applying, applicants should carefully review:

• Application Guidance documents.
• Fellowship FAQs.
• Eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Create or Access a MyACU Account

Applicants must apply through the MyACU portal.

• Existing users can log in and access the application form.
• New users must register for a MyACU account before accessing the application system.

Step 4: Submit the Online Application

Click here for more and to apply

Fellow Success Story

Past fellowship recipients have highlighted the significant impact of the programme on their careers and research development.

One such example is Atiqah Aziz from the University of Malaya, who collaborated with Swansea University through an ACU Fellowship. During the fellowship, she participated in collaborative cancer research, received mentoring from leading academics, gained access to advanced laboratory facilities, expanded her professional network, and developed skills that opened doors to further opportunities.

Her experience demonstrates how ACU Fellowships can create lasting academic and professional benefits while fostering impactful international collaborations.

Why You Should Apply

The ACU Fellowships programme offers far more than travel funding. It provides a platform for building international partnerships, developing innovative research, strengthening higher education systems, and advancing professional growth across the Commonwealth.

For academic and professional staff seeking to expand their global networks, gain international experience, and contribute to meaningful institutional and societal impact, the ACU Fellowships 2026 represent an outstanding opportunity.

Application Deadline Reminder

Applications close on 25 June 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC.

Interested applicants should begin identifying collaborators and preparing their proposals as early as possible to maximize their chances of success.

Click here for more global fellowship opportunities