The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is the world's first and oldest international university network, established in 1913.

A UK-registered charity, the ACU has over 500 member institutions in over 40 countries across the Commonwealth. They bring together many of the most prestigious and well-funded universities internationally with relatively new institutions in some of the world’s least developed countries. What binds us together is a common belief in the value of higher education to society, the conviction that this value is enhanced by international collaboration, and a passion for rigour and excellence in everything that they and their member universities do.

With three distinct but interconnected areas of work – member services, programmes, and scholarship administration – supported by robust infrastructure and governance arrangements, the ACU combines delivering value to its members with achieving impact on the world of higher education and wider society.

Their mission

To promote and support excellence in higher education for the benefit of individuals and societies throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Their vision

Vibrant and exciting universities that use their transformational power to:

• Create opportunities for individuals to fulfil their potential
• Increase understanding through international partnerships – both inside and outside the higher education sector
• Contribute to the cultural, economic, and social development of every nation

Their values

The ACU's set of values help guide the organisation in its mission. Their values reflect their aspirations, who they are, and how they do things, and are brought alive in everything that they do.

Quality
They strive for excellence, using their collective expertise and professionalism to fulfil their commitments. They listen to their stakeholders to deliver valued services.

Collaboration
They promote the sharing of good practice and capacity strengthening, and provide a platform for knowledge generation and exchange. They foster cooperation and partnerships within the sector and across cultures.

Innovation
They enable the exploration of ideas and willingness to think differently. They give staff the freedom to do their work and develop new ways to deliver their services.

Respect
They are committed to openness, fairness, integrity, and transparency in all their work and relationships. They share the values and aspirations that unite all the people and nations of the Commonwealth.

Inclusion
They are an inclusive organisation, working with and representing a diverse range of individuals, nations, and institutions. Inclusive thinking is part of their everyday working practices.