People & Organisational Development

All applications should demonstrate how the proposed activity fits the following:

University Strategy 

All applications will be assessed for their ability to deliver against University Strategy objectives and priorities (as the new strategy is not yet launched applicants can refer to  Global Glasgow 2025’).

Applications which involve fellow members of Glasgow’s international networks (including the Guild, Universitas 21, the CIVIS alliance or ARUA) and existing partners will be looked upon more favourably by the panel than other applications: our international partners.

Link to the Performance Development Review (PDR)

Planned IEF activities should allow applicants the chance to learn and develop according to any requirements identified during the PDR process. As well as tangible business outcomes (please link these to the Global Glasgow 2025 strategy), this could include:  cultural intelligence, communication skills, benchmarking/exchange of best practice, work shadowing.

Managers are encouraged to support proposals where the applicant will truly benefit from having an international experience and where there are direct opportunities to further the University’s Strategy.

Planning the visit

• Proposed visits should be of a short-term nature. It cannot be used to supplement an existing placement. If the travel is already agreed/planned and will take place anyway (and supported by other budgets), applicants must outline why the IEF is necessary and how it will be used – what is the added value? The fund is not designed to support research activity.
• Applicants must make contact with their host institution prior to application to establish whether a visit is possible and to identify dates and duration of the visit.
• The International Affairs team or the relevant Dean for Global Engagement can support introductions to a partner institution if you do not already have a contact. 
• If successful, it is the responsibility of all successful applicants to make and manage all their own travel arrangements, including visa applications.
• The maximum award from the IEF will be £1000.
• The IEF will support economy class flights only.
• No group applications will be accepted. For any trips with more than one traveller, each applicant must submit an individual application and outline the specific ways in which the trip will contribute to their own personal and professional development

Eligibility 

• All staff in both academic and professional services roles are eligible to apply. Please note it is not suitable for PhD students.
• Applicants must have at least 6 months’ service at the University.
• All applicants must have the support of their line manager.

Responsibilities of the applicant

All applicants should agree the following with their line manager prior to application:

• Working arrangements during the period of travel and any cover required
• A plan for the transfer of knowledge of the key learning outcomes on return to UofG.
• A health, safety and risk assessment for travel to the host country must be completed by the applicant(s) prior to submitting the application. This is the responsibility of the applicant(s) and should be undertaken in consultation with the relevant line manager as an informed process.

All applicants must arrange their own travel, including travel insurance and visa applications. Relevant documentation should be retained locally.

• Bookings must be made via the University travel agency.
• All applicants should refer to the University's sustainable travel guidance.

University travel policy and guidance:

• Travel safety and overseas work

Applications are online. As part of the online form you will be required to upload confirmation of your line manager’s approval.

• Applications open on 3 December 2025 
• Closing date for applications 2 February 2026
• Where possible, funding will be distributed in February.
• Applicants may begin arranging travel once funding has been distributed. However, we strongly advise arranging travel promptly, as no additional funding will be provided to cover any increases in travel costs.

Any questions please email externalrelations-partnershipfunding@glasgow.ac.uk

Application link

Application decisions

Note there are a limited amount of awards in each round. The panel will assess each application against the IEF criteria. Applications are considered by a panel consisting of:

• A member of People and Organisational Development Team
• A member of the Global Partnerships and Networks team
• Assistant Vice-Principal International OR the relevant Dean for Global Engagement.

The University of Glasgow is committed to promoting equality of opportunity in all its activities and aims to provide a work, learning, research and teaching environment free from discrimination and unfair treatment. Procedures for the consideration of applications are intended to be fair, transparent and consistent with the University's Equal Opportunities Policies.

Successful applications

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application, where possible within two or three weeks of the deadline. It may also take up to 4 weeks for funds to be transferred to the relevant school/service.

The Panel is committed to evaluating the impact of successful applications. Successful applicants will be emailed with a link to an online progress report form to be completed within 30 days of returning from their visit.

The following resource is designed to help applicants when planning their visit.

• Information for international mobility applicants