Apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowships for Low- and Middle-income Countries…

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship will run for six months and is designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low- and middle-income countries within the Commonwealth. The programme combines immersive in-person experiences with online learning to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.

Application Deadline:

• Deadline: September 1, 2026
• Programme start: 16 November 2026

Tell Me About The Fellowship.

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with Imperial College London, is a six‑month programme designed to ignite and elevate high‑potential startups from low‑ and middle‑income Commonwealth countries. Fellows receive immersive in‑person experiences, online learning, and access to a global network to help scale their businesses, pitch fluently, and drive job creation.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Startups must demonstrate:

• Innovation – product, service, business model, or approach.
• Commercial Traction – paying customers, repeat purchases, contract renewals, or sustained usage.
• Sustainability – not primarily dependent on donations or grants.
• Positive Impact – economic, social, or environmental outcomes.

Type:

• Entrepreneurship Fellowship | Startup Development | Commonwealth Countries

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be at least graduate level.
• Be citizens or refugees permanently resident in eligible Commonwealth countries.
• Be fluent in English.
• Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years.
• Be available for the full programme (Nov 2026 – May 2027).
• Have a legally registered startup operating for at least 12 months, with evidence of customer demand and growth potential.

How are Fellows Selected?

• Based on eligibility, innovation, traction, and potential to scale.
• Applicants must submit:
  • Business and team details.
  • Two referees.
  • A one‑minute video pitch.
  • Passport or national ID scan.
• Due diligence checks will be conducted by CSC.

Which Countries are Eligible?

• Low‑ and middle‑income Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania, and many others.

Where will the fellowship be taken?

• Hybrid format:
  • Online learning.
  • In‑person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana (Jan–Feb 2027).
  • Capstone Week in London, UK (May 2027).

How Many Fellows?

• Cohort size not specified; one representative per startup.

What is the benefit of the fellowship?

• Approved return travel to Accra and London.
• Accommodation, travel, and catering covered.
• Visa fee reimbursement.
• Up to £2,000 equity‑free grant for business or participation costs.
• Disability support available.
• Access to global networks and mentorship.

How Long Will the Fellowship Last?

• Six months (Nov 2026 – May 2027).

How to Apply:

1. Complete the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship online application form.
2. Submit required documents and video pitch.
3. Applications open 3 August 2026.

🌐 Visit the application webpage for details