The ACU Summer School is a prestigious, fully funded international exchange program organized by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). While the 2022 session was hosted by Leeds Trinity University in the UK with a focus on “Sports and Regeneration,” the program’s theme and location change every year to address different global challenges within the Commonwealth.+1
For the 2026 academic year, the ACU continues its tradition of bringing together the brightest undergraduate and postgraduate students to build international networks and tackle cross-border issues.
Scholarship Overview: ACU Summer School
| Feature | Details |
| Host Organization | Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s, PhD, and Final-year Undergraduate students |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Tuition + Travel + Housing + Meals) |
| Participant Cap | Capped at 40-50 students per year |
| Typical Timing | Late July to early August (1 week) |
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The ACU covers 100% of the participation costs to ensure that students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries can attend without financial barriers.
- Full Tuition: No registration or program fees.
- Travel: Funded return economy flights from your home country to the host destination.
- Accommodation: On-campus housing (typically single en-suite rooms) provided for the duration of the program.
- Living Costs: All meals on campus and airport pick-ups/drop-offs included.
- Field Trips: Fully funded excursions to local historic sites and relevant industries (e.g., past trips included York in the UK or sites in South Africa).
Eligibility and Requirements
Selection is highly competitive and restricted to the ACU network.
- Member University: You must be currently enrolled at an ACU Member University. The ACU has over 400 members in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific.
- Academic Level: Open to current Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) or Final-year Undergraduate students.
- Travel History: A unique requirement: Applicants must not have previously traveled outside their home region (unless they are studying in the host country). This ensures the scholarship reaches those who need the international exposure most.
- Academic Reference: You must provide a signed reference on official university letterhead from a lecturer or supervisor.
Thematic Focus and Activities
Each year, the curriculum is built around a specific theme (e.g., Urban Disasters, Truth and Reconciliation, or Sports and Regeneration).
- Skills Development: Intensive workshops on leadership, cross-cultural communication, and project management.
- Group Projects: Collaborative research or case studies with peers from diverse backgrounds.
- Networking: Direct interaction with experts, policymakers, and senior academics from the host university.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Check Membership: Confirm your university is an ACU member.
- Portal Registration: Create an account on the MyACU portal.
- Draft Essays: Prepare responses (typically 150-250 words) explaining how your studies fit the year’s theme and how you plan to share the knowledge gained.
- Submit Reference: Upload your university-signed academic reference.
- Deadline: Applications typically open in late February and close in early April for the summer intake.