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Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026
Deadline: Check official website
34 viewsKey Details
Level
Graduate level and above
Deadline
Check official website
Hosting Country
United Kingdom / Ghana
Funding
Fully Funded
Region
Global
Added on
14 Aug 2026
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Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026
About
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowships is a prestigious six-month initiative designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations. In a unique partnership between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, this programme combines immersive in-person experiences with rigorous online learning. We understand that scaling a business in developing economies presents unique hurdles; this fellowship is crafted to provide entrepreneurs with the essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network needed to overcome them.
Participants will undergo intensive training, including a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, and a high-profile capstone week at Imperial College London. By the end of the journey, fellows are equipped to scale their businesses, master the art of the pitch, and drive significant job creation in their home countries. This is more than just a training programme; it is a launchpad for the next generation of Commonwealth innovators who dream of creating lasting social and economic impact through sustainable business models.
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Eligibility
- Must be a citizen or refugee of an eligible low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
- Must hold at least a graduate-level qualification and be fluent in English.
- The startup must be a legally registered entity operating for at least 12 months.
- Must demonstrate commercial traction with evidence of paying customers and a sustainable business model.
- Business must be beyond the prototype stage and seeking to scale geographic reach or impact.
- Must be available for the Accra bootcamp (Jan/Feb 2027) and London Capstone (May 2027).
- Cannot have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years.
Benefits
- Full travel coverage including approved return airfare from the home country to bootcamp locations.
- Comprehensive accommodation and catering provided during the two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- Full financial support for the Capstone Week in London, UK, covering travel and living expenses.
- Reimbursement of the standard visa application fees for all necessary travel.
- An equity-free grant of up to £2,000 to support business growth or participation costs.
- Additional disability support funding available following a personal needs assessment.
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How to Apply
- Visit the official application portal to create an account and start your form.
- Prepare a one-minute video elevator pitch explaining your business problem, solution, and progress.
- Identify two professional referees who can speak to your capacity to benefit from the fellowship.
- Upload a clear scan of your passport or national identity card for identity verification.
- Ensure your video is in a compatible format (like MP4) and accessible without special permissions.
- Submit the completed form before the deadline of 1 September 2026 as edits are not allowed after submission.
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