ACU Early Career Conference Grants 2027 (Up to £2,000)
Grants of up to £2,000 for early career academics at ACU member universities to attend conferences in Commonwealth countries in 2027. Covers flights, registration, accommodation and visa costs. Apply by October 13, 2026.
What are the ACU Early Career Conference Grants?
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is the world's oldest international university network, with member universities across the Commonwealth.
Its Early Career Conference Grants help emerging researchers attend and take part in in-person conferences in Commonwealth countries outside their own country of work.
For early career academics, conferences are a chance to share research, learn about the latest developments in their field, and build professional networks. The knowledge and connections they bring back also benefit their colleagues, students, and universities.
Important dates
- Applications opened: August 18, 2026
- Application deadline: October 13, 2026, 15:00 UTC
- Eligible conference dates: January 2027 to January 2028
What does the grant cover?
Seven grants are available, each worth up to £2,000. The grant can be used for:
- Conference registration fee
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Visa costs
- Travel and health insurance
Please note: successful applicants are responsible for any taxes, duties, or levies on the grant payment. These must be included in your budget, and your total budget can't exceed £2,000.
All grant recipients must submit a report after their award.
Who can apply?
You must:
- Be an early career researcher or academic at an ACU member university. Early career means within 7 years of the start of your academic (research or teaching) career. Career breaks, such as time out to care for children, are taken into account.
- Choose a conference in a Commonwealth country taking place between January 2027 and January 2028.
- Be chairing a session, presenting a paper, or presenting a poster at that conference.
You cannot apply if you:
- Have already travelled for work, including conferences, outside your region of employment since starting your academic career
- Have received an ACU Early Career Conference Grant (formerly Early Career Academic Grant) before
Tip: check the ACU members list to confirm your university is a member before you apply.
How to apply
- Check that your university is an ACU member.
- Choose a conference in a Commonwealth country between January 2027 and January 2028 where you'll chair a session or present a paper or poster.
- Read the official application guidance and FAQs.
- Create a MyACU account if you don't already have one.
- Complete the online application form, including your project budget.
- Submit before October 13, 2026, 15:00 UTC.
Simple tips
- Apply now. The deadline is very close.
- Pick your conference carefully. It must be in a Commonwealth country outside your country of work.
- Show your active role. You need to be chairing, presenting a paper, or presenting a poster.
- Prepare a realistic budget covering all costs, including any taxes, within the £2,000 limit.
- Explain the impact. Show how attending will benefit your research, teaching, colleagues, and students.
Apply here
Ready to apply? Submit your application through the official ACU application form: https://crm.acu.ac.uk/form/eccg-application-form-2026-27
If you don't have a MyACU account yet, register first here: https://crm.acu.ac.uk/content/myacu-user-registration
For full details, visit the official page: https://www.acu.ac.uk/funding-opportunities/for-university-staff/university-staff-grants/early-career-grants/
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) |
| Region / Country | Commonwealth countries |
| Deadline | Oct 13, 2026 |
| Level | Early career academics (within 7 years) |
| Funding | Up to £2,000 (registration, flights, accommodation, visa, insurance) |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Always verify details on the official website before applying.