Deadline
2025-06-30
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship, Accommodation, Feeding allowance, Monthly Stipend & Air tickets
Renewable
No
Applications Now Open for the 2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Council (CSC) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship — a fully funded, six-month programme designed to empower high-potential startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
This dynamic fellowship combines immersive in-person bootcamps with online learning modules to equip entrepreneurs with critical business skills, cutting-edge insights, and access to a powerful global network.
Delivered in collaboration with Imperial College London, the programme aims to support founders in building scalable businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth in their home countries.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold at least a graduate-level qualification
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible low or middle-income Commonwealth country
- Be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Be fluent in both written and spoken English
- Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the past five years
- Be available to fully participate in the programme from the official start date
Additional Criteria
Applicants must also demonstrate:
- Innovation in product, service, or market
- At least six months of startup activity and clear commitment from team members
- A working minimum viable product (MVP), service, or prototype
- Evidence of customer engagement or traction — such as early sales, pre-orders, signed contracts, or proof of demand
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Fellows will receive:
- Fully funded return travel to attend the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
- Accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the bootcamp
- Reimbursement for standard visa application fees
- Reimbursement for vaccination costs required for travel
- Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund to cover business or participation-related expenses
-
Additional financial support for applicants with declared disabilities, following a needs assessment by the CSC
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Interested and eligible candidates should follow the steps below to apply:
- Visit the official programme website (click the link below) for full details.
- Review the eligibility requirements and gather all necessary documents.
- Complete the online application form, including:
- Personal and contact details
- Academic qualifications and employment history
- Information about your startup
- Required essays and statements
- Details of two referees
- A scanned copy of your passport or national ID\
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
APPLY HERE
Scholarships are not only for the smart students. Anyone can get scholarships
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