Call for Grant Applications -Bridging Narratives Grant Program
Application Deadline:
26 June 2025
About Organisation
We are a pioneering global network of universities united by a shared vision of building a better world through international collaboration in higher education. As the first and longest-standing international university network in the world, we have proudly brought together institutions from across the Commonwealth for over a century. Our work is grounded in the belief that many of the world’s most pressing challenges—such as inequality, climate change, and sustainable development—can only be addressed through meaningful, cross-border collaboration in education and research.
We are deeply committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and believe that higher education plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and improving lives globally. Our mission is to harness the collective power of universities to create positive change beyond borders. Our vision is to see higher education act as a catalyst for social impact, advancing knowledge, building partnerships, and empowering individuals and societies across the Commonwealth and beyond.
About the Grant
This grant is designed to support early career researchers from member universities who wish to attend and participate in academic conferences held in Commonwealth countries outside of their home country. Known as the Early Career Conference Grant, it enables promising academics to share their research, stay updated on recent advancements, and build valuable international networks through in-person conference participation.
The grant not only enriches the academic journey of emerging researchers but also contributes to the knowledge ecosystem of their home institutions. Participation in these conferences allows them to return with fresh insights, enhanced skills, and new connections, which can benefit their colleagues and students alike. Importantly, the experience can positively influence both teaching and future research endeavors.
The funding, up to GBP 2,000, can be used to cover key expenses such as conference registration fees, international travel, accommodation, visa processing, and travel and health insurance. All award recipients are required to submit a detailed report after the completion of their conference participation, reflecting on the value and impact of the experience.
Who can Apply?
This grant opportunity is open to early career researchers and academics who are currently employed at ACU member universities. To be eligible, applicants must be within seven years of beginning their academic career in either teaching or research roles. However, exceptions are made for individuals who have taken career breaks, including time off for childcare or other personal reasons.
Applicants must identify a relevant academic conference they wish to attend, which should be scheduled between August 2025 and 31 July 2026. Importantly, the conference must take place in a Commonwealth country different from the applicant’s country of employment. To qualify for the grant, the applicant must have an active role in the conference—this could be chairing a session, delivering a paper presentation, or presenting a research poster.
The aim is to support meaningful participation that contributes to the academic growth of the researcher and facilitates engagement with the wider academic community. Only those with a confirmed opportunity to present or participate in this way will be considered for funding.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants must submit their application via the official online application form. Those with an existing MyACU account can directly access the form when the application window opens. New users must first register for a MyACU account, activate it through the confirmation email, and then proceed to complete the grant application form.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 26 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Last Date To Apply
Ensure your application is submitted no later than 26 June 2025, by 15:00 UTC. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Grant Amount
The grant offers up to GBP 2,000 to cover expenses such as registration fees, airfare, accommodation, visa costs, and travel and health insurance for conference participation.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
