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About the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 could be your next big leap if you are a passionate entrepreneur driving change in your community. Do you run a startup that’s making a difference in a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country?
This prestigious 6-month hybrid fellowship is designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage, high-potential startups from across the Commonwealth. Combining in-person immersion in Ghana with advanced entrepreneurship training from Imperial College London, the program equips founders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to build sustainable ventures with global impact.
Jointly delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, this program aims to empower promising entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The goal? To scale local solutions, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth.
Throughout the six months, fellows will participate in:
- A fully-funded residential immersion in Accra, Ghana
- Online entrepreneurship training from world-leading experts at Imperial College London
- Peer and mentor engagement across the Commonwealth
- Opportunities to pitch, network, and grow alongside other impactful founders
Eligible Countries
You must be a citizen or refugee residing in one of the following low- and middle-income 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
Eligibility Criteria
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is tailored for early-stage founders who meet the following criteria:
Personal Eligibility:
- Hold at least a graduate-level degree
- Are a citizen or refugee residing in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Fluent in English
- Available for the entire duration of the program
- Have not received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last 5 years
Startup Eligibility:
- Been in active development for at least 6 months
- Have a working minimum viable product (MVP), prototype, or service
- Show early traction – this could include sales, pre-sales, signed contracts, or strong user engagement
- Demonstrate clear innovation and potential social or economic impact
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- The innovation and uniqueness of your product, service, or business model
- Startup maturity – how far along your development and planning are
- Evidence of traction and customer validation
- The strength of the team and founder commitment
- Your venture’s potential to drive positive change and economic impact in your community
Benefits of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- Fully-funded round-trip airfare to Ghana
- Accommodation, meals, and transport in Accra
- Visa and vaccination reimbursements
- Access to Imperial College London’s global entrepreneurship training
- A Fellow’s Grant Fund to support business growth or fellowship-related needs
- Disability support funding (as needed and assessed)
- Lifetime access to a network of like-minded Commonwealth innovators
How to Apply
Applications open on 2 June 2025 via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online portal.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official CSC application portal (link will be available on opening day)
- Create an account or log in
- Fill in your personal, academic, and business details
- Upload all required documents (CV, startup overview, etc.)
- Submit your application before 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST)
To better understand the program and application process, attend the online information session on:
- Date: 3 June 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM BST
- Register here
Final Thoughts
Startups are shaping the future of development across the Commonwealth—from fintech in Lagos to agritech in Dhaka. This fellowship empowers local founders with global tools, giving them the platform to scale their impact and connect with world-class mentors and institutions.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
World Trade Organization Internship Program 2025
Apply for the $5,000 Pathways Access Scholarship
