The ACU's new Global Summer School Grants will support eligible UK undergraduate students from ACU member universities in the UK to attend a summer school in another Commonwealth country during 2018. Twenty grants of up to £2,000 each are on offer, with opportunities available at universities in six Commonwealth countries.

Each summer school takes place at a university outside of the UK, showcasing the range of innovative short-term learning experiences offered by ACU member institutions. Selected students could learn about marine biology while snorkelling in Malaysia's tropical waters, benefit from Kyambogo University's expertise in natural resource management, or experience the beauty of South Africa through visits to Cape Point and Table Mountain.

Dr Joanna Newman, ACU Chief Executive and Secretary General, said, 'Summer Schools are a fantastic way for students to gain international experience, learn new skills, increase their intercultural understanding, network, and have fun. This scheme not only aims to forge close links between ACU members in the UK and their counterparts in other countries, but also enables disadvantaged students to make the most of this opportunity by providing them with financial support.'

This new grant scheme aims to support UK member universities' student mobility strategies, the importance of which is highlighted in the Universities UK International 'Go International: Stand Out campaign'. Through widening access criteria, these grants will also target students from groups who are less likely to benefit from an international experience as part of their degree.

How to apply

Applications opened on Thursday 25 January. Students need to apply to their university's International Office by Friday 16 February – International Offices will make the initial assessment, using grading advice provided by the ACU and nominate up to two candidates per institution, and then submit their nominations to the ACU by Monday 5 March 2018. The ACU will then carry out the final round of selections.

More information on how to apply and the full list of host universities can be found here.