The ACU’s Early Career Conference Grants help to ensure that more emerging researchers—and the universities that employ them—can benefit from these valuable opportunities.
Application Deadline:
- Applications open: 18 August 2026
- Applications close: 13 October 2026, 15:00 UTC
Tell Me About The Award:
The Early Career Conference Grants offered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) provide emerging academics at ACU member universities with funding to attend and actively participate in conferences held in Commonwealth countries outside their region of employment. The grants aim to strengthen research, teaching, and professional networks by enabling early career researchers to share knowledge and build collaborations.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- All academic disciplines, provided the applicant is presenting a paper, chairing a session, or presenting a poster at the chosen conference.
Type:
- Research Grant | Professional Development | International Conference Participation
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be early career researchers/academics at an ACU member university (within 7 years of starting their academic career, excluding career breaks).
- Identify a conference in a Commonwealth country taking place between February 2027 and January 2028.
- Be presenting a paper or poster or chairing a session at the conference.
- Not have previously traveled for work purposes outside their region of employment since the start of their academic career.
- Not be a previous recipient of an ACU Early Career Conference Grant.
How are applicants selected?
- Based on eligibility, academic merit, and the relevance of the chosen conference to the applicant’s research.
- Applicants must explain how attending will benefit their career and professional development and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Selection also considers institutional support letters and cost breakdowns for in‑person conferences.
Which Countries are Eligible?
- All Commonwealth countries (applicants must be employed at ACU member universities).
Where will the award be taken?
- At an in‑person conference in a Commonwealth country outside the applicant’s region of employment.
- Virtual attendance is also possible if the conference offers hybrid participation.
How Many Awards?
- Seven grants available.
What is the benefit of the award?
- Up to GBP 2,000 per grant to cover:
- Conference registration fees.
- Flights.
- Accommodation.
- Visa costs.
- Travel and health insurance.
- Professional development and networking opportunities.
- Requirement to submit a report after completion of the award.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration of the conference attended (between February 2027 and January 2028).
How to Apply:
- Review the application guidance and FAQs.
- Register or log in to a MyACU account.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload required documents:
- Abstract of chosen conference.
- An institutional support letter from the head of the department.
- Host institution support letter.
- Cost breakdown (for in‑person conferences).
- Submit by 13 October 2026, 15:00 UTC.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
