ACU Early Career Conference Grants 2026–27 | Up to GBP 2,000

The ACU Early Career Conference Grants 2026–27 are open to early career researchers and academics at ACU member universities. Applications close on 13 October 2026 at 15:00 UTC. Through this grant, selected applicants can receive up to GBP 2,000 to attend and take part in eligible in-person conferences in Commonwealth countries outside their country of employment.

This opportunity supports conference participation between February 2027 and January 2028. In addition, applicants must be presenting, chairing a session, or presenting a poster at the proposed conference.

Application Deadline: 13 October 2026, 15:00 UTCEligible Countries: Commonwealth countriesGrant Location: In-person conferences in Commonwealth countries outside the applicant’s country of employmentAward Provider: The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)Number of Awards: 7

About the Grant

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) offers this grant to help early career researchers attend in-person conferences in Commonwealth countries. The conference must take place outside the applicant’s country of employment.

Each award is worth up to GBP 2,000. As a result, selected applicants can use the funding for key conference-related costs. Awardees must also complete a report after the award period ends.

Eligibility

Be an early career researcher or academic at an ACU member university

Be within 7 years of the start of their academic research or teaching career, except where career breaks apply

Identify a conference in a Commonwealth country taking place between February 2027 and January 2028

Be chairing a session, presenting a paper, or presenting a poster at the proposed conference

Not have previously travelled for work purposes, including conferences, outside their region of employment since the start of their academic career

Not be a previous recipient of an ACU Early Career Conference Grant

Grant Amount: Up to GBP 2,000Project Duration: Conference attendance between February 2027 and January 2028.Funding Scope: Conference registration fee, flights, accommodation, visa costs, and travel and health insurance

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application form on the ACU portal. Before applying, review the full eligibility and application guidance on the official page.

Awardees are required to complete a report on completion of the award. Therefore, applicants should prepare to meet this reporting requirement if selected.

👉 Visit the official grant page for details

How to Apply Interested applicants should complete the online application form on the ACU portal. Before applying, review the full eligibility and application guidance on the official page. Awardees are required to complete a report on completion of the award. Therefore, applicants should prepare to meet this reporting requirement if selected. 👉