The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship will run for six months and is designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The programme combines immersive in-person experiences with online learning to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
✅ When is the Application Deadline:
30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST)
(Applications open 2 June 2025 at 10:00 AM BST)
📌 Tell Me About The Award:
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a prestigious 6-month hybrid program supporting early-stage entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. It is jointly delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London to help startups scale their impact, create jobs, and drive economic growth in their home countries.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Read Also:
- Multiple Ongoing Federal Government Programs & Initiatives to Empower Nigerians in 2025 (How to Apply)
- Fully Funded NextGen Women Leaders Fellowship for Women from Any Country—2025
- University of Connecticut $75 Application Fee Waiver 2025 for International Graduate Students in the USA
- Deakin University’s Women’s Anti-Doping HDR Scholarship 2026
🧠 Which Fields are Eligible?
Startups across all innovation-driven sectors are welcome—particularly those showing:
- Product or service innovation
- Market innovation
- Social or economic impact potential
📋 Type:
Entrepreneurship Fellowship (Hybrid: Online + In-person)
🌍 Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be at least graduate-level
- Be a citizen or refugee in an eligible low/middle-income Commonwealth country
- Be permanently resident in an eligible country
- Be fluent in English
- Not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last 5 years
- Be available for the full duration of the program
In addition, your startup must:
- Be in active development for at least 6 months
- Have a working minimum viable product (MVP), prototype, or service
- Show customer traction: early sales, pre-sales, or signed contracts
- Demonstrate clear innovation and impact potential
🧪 How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants are selected based on:
- Startup innovation (product, service, or market)
- Stage of development and readiness
- Evidence of traction and demand
- Commitment of the team
- Potential for social and economic impact
🌐 Which Countries Are Eligible?
Citizens or refugees in the following Commonwealth countries:
Africa & Caribbean:
Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines
Asia & Pacific:
Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
📍 Where will the Award be Taken?
- Accra, Ghana (2-week in-person bootcamp: 14–30 November 2025)
- Potential capstone events in London, UK for outstanding participants
- Online sessions before and after in-person events
🔢 How Many Awards?
20 Fellows (One entrepreneur per startup)
🎁 What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Fully-funded round-trip travel to Ghana
- Accommodation, meals, and local transportation in Accra
- Visa and vaccination reimbursements
- Fellow’s Grant Fund to support business/fellowship-related expenses
- Disability support funding (as assessed)
- Access to world-class entrepreneurship training and networking via Imperial College London
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
6 months – Including online sessions, in-person bootcamp, and post-program engagement.
📝 How to Apply:
Applications open 2 June 2025 via the CSC online portal.
There will be an information session regarding the programme and the application process on 3 June at 11am BST, you can register to attend here.
🔗 Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-startup-fellowship-information-for-candidates/
