Association of Commonwealth Universities

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is a membership organisation and representative body for universities of the Commonwealth. Established in 1913, it was the world’s first international university network and remains the only accredited organisation representing higher education across the Commonwealth. With more than 500 member institutions in over 50 countries, the ACU’s membership reflects the Commonwealth’s breadth and diversity, with prestigious and well-resourced universities alongside far newer institutions.

Founded to lead ‘common action in matters of common interest’, the ACU is governed by its member institutions through an elected Council. A UK-registered charity, it received a royal charter in 1963 and, in 1986, Queen Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth, became its patron. In 2019, Queen Elizabeth passed on this patronage to Meghan Markle, the ...