The Association of Commonwealth Universities is an international organisation dedicated to building a better world through higher education.
International collaboration is central to this ambition: by bringing universities together from around the world – and crucially the people who study and work within them – the ACU helps to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds, and improve lives.
The ACU champions higher education as a cornerstone of stronger societies, supporting its members, partners, and stakeholders as they adapt to a changing world.
The Commonwealth is a powerful network of 53 countries, working together to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These countries share a history, language, and institutional structures, which paves the way for collaboration and partnership.
The Commonwealth is a living laboratory for change, and a network with great potential – two-thirds of its population of 2.4 billion people are under the age of 30.
The ACU has over 500 member universities in 50 countries across the Commonwealth. 66% of our members are in low and middle income countries, and 5% are in small states.
Our network covers over 10 million students and more than 1 million academic and professional staff.
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are a unique opportunity to study for a two-years Master’s at leading ACU member universities across the Commonwealth.
Find out more
Nabeela Mowlana explains how her experience at the UK Commonwealth Futures workshop was 'life-changing and awe-inspiring'.
Read this article
In 2020, the ACU looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with university partners to evolve pedagogical approaches alongside technology.
Read this article
Catherine Mingxi Ge writes about her experience at the inaugural Commonwealth Futures workshop at Cumberland Lodge, where she met with youth leaders from across the Commonwealth to advocate for change
Read this article
As 2019 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back at how the ACU has worked with its members and partners to deliver on our core mission: building a better world through higher education.
Read this article
17,000 students are benefiting from the expertise of leading ACU member universities across east Africa, thanks to the Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL).
Read this article
Connecting universities across the Commonwealth to develop solutions to climate change.
Addressing critical academic staff shortages using quality assured, credit-bearing degree courses delivered through blended learning.
Find out more
Tristan McCowan from UCL’s Institute for Education will be speaking at the ACU on 30 January about ‘What role for universities in sustainable development?’
The second Commnonwealth Futures workshop will convene young leaders at O P Jindal Global University in India to explore Ghandian approaches to democracy, peace and much more.
This event will provide an opportunity for senior academic staff and emerging researchers to explore innovative approaches to professional development and collaboration.
Becoming a member of the ACU means joining a vibrant global community of universities with a shared commitment to work together for the common good.
With more than 500 member universities across 50 countries, our membership reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth itself.
