Our award service is designed to validate and promote your university’s entrepreneurial activities and capabilities. It is a badge of recognition that showcases your commitment to innovation and societal relevance. It gives you a roadmap for development. Additionally, it grants you access to a global community of accredited entrepreneurial universities and potential participation in externally-funded programmes and activities.

There are four application windows a year, closing at the end of January, March, May and October. You can submit your interest today to be in the next cohort of institutions for accreditation.

The duration of the process is usually no longer than 12 weeks from submission to final decision (subject to completing a site visit). However, we strive to ensure that the process is lean and efficient, and we will keep you updated at each stage.

The process includes a basic eligibility check, a site visit, an application form with several open-ended questions, and a review by an independent panel of experts. You will also be required to submit supporting evidence. If an application is not initially successful, there is an opportunity to receive feedback and resubmit the application once at no extra cost.

Successful applicants will receive accreditation valid for a three-year term. Exceptional institutions that demonstrate particularly strong entrepreneurial values and capabilities may be granted the award for a five-year term.

There is a one-off fee for the site visit (£1,000 plus travel expenses) and the application (£6,000). There is an annual renewal fee (£3,000) payable every 12 months thereafter (plus VAT for UK institutions). The institution applying for accreditation is responsible for paying reasonable expenses for the cost of the site visit. Included in the cost is Premium membership of the Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities (worth £1,685 a year). Existing Premium members receive a discount on the Award fees.

The award brings multiple benefits, including recognition of your entrepreneurial activity, enhanced visibility, access to a global community as a Premium member of the Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities (worth £1,685 a year), potential participation in external programmes, a detailed insight report, and free and discounted places on our programmes and masterclasses.

In the event your application is not successful, you will receive specific feedback and have an opportunity to resubmit your application once within a specified window, at no additional cost (unless a further site visit is required).

The application form is an opportunity for you to demonstrate how you are an entrepreneurial university. This will include evidence of policies, leadership, and culture; how you develop entrepreneurial people; your impact on students, the wider community, and society; and your institution’s future plans for this area. There are several open-ended questions, and full guidance will be provided.

The exact type of evidence will depend on the nature of your institution and the specifics of your application. However, this could include strategic plans, policy documents, data relating to participation or impact, and documentation relating to entrepreneurial activities. We may also ask for further supporting evidence as part of the site visit.

Based on the evaluation of your application by the external review panel, the report will highlight your institution’s strengths and areas for further development or enhancement. The tailored recommendations provide specific, actionable steps that your institution can take to further enhance its impact as an entrepreneurial university, and as part of a broader roadmap for development.