ACU Early Career Conference Grants 2026

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) offers Early Career Conference Grants to support emerging researchers attending conferences abroad. These grants aim to enhance professional development by covering registration, travel, accommodation, and related costs for early-career academics at ACU member universities. Applicants must attend a conference in a Commonwealth country between January 2027 and January 2028, presenting or chairing a session. Awardees must submit a report upon completion.⁠‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​⁠

What it offers

Seven grants provide up to GBP 2,000 to cover:

• Conference registration fees
• Flights
• Accommodation
• Visa costs
• Travel and health insurance

Successful applicants must account for taxes, duties, or levies in their budget, which must not exceed the grant’s maximum value.

Who can apply

Early career researchers/academics within 7 years of their academic career start, except those with career breaks (e.g., childcare). They must be employed at an ACU member university, attending a Commonwealth-hosted conference (January 2027–January 2028) where they present or chair a session. No prior ACU grant recipients or prior international work travel (outside their region) are eligible.

How to apply

1. Identify a qualifying conference and submit an application via the online ACU form (requires a MyACU account—register if needed).
2. Ensure the budget includes taxes/duties and does not exceed GBP 2,000.

Good to know

• Deadline: 13 October 2026, 15:00 UTC.
• No formal education level is required beyond being an early-career researcher.
• No language requirement is specified.
• Applicants must submit a post-conference report upon completion.