2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship | Step-by-Step Process
The Commonwealth Scholarship Council (CSC) has announced the official opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship.
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity made up of a combination of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
In this article, the details of the fellowship opportunity, its requirements, benefits, and step-by-step application guide will be provided for interested and qualified candidates.
2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Summary
- Host: Commonwealth Scholarship Council
- Study Abroad: Study in Africa
- Category: Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Living Allowance | Travel + Visa Costs | Accommodation | Access to Grants
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Details:
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 is made up of a combination of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
The CSC and Imperial College London intend that by the end of the programme, entrepreneurs will be equipped to build thriving businesses, scale operations effectively, and drive job creation in their home countries.
Eligibility Requirements for 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
To be considered for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, prospective Fellows must:
- Be of at least graduate level;
- Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low or middle-income Commonwealth country;
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
- Be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award)
- Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date
In addition, they must demonstrate:
- Evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market
- Active development for at least six-months and demonstrable commitment from team members
- A working minimum viable ‘product’, service, and/or prototype
- Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction in the form of early sales or pre-sales . proof of interest or demand, signed contracts, or other relevant evidence.
Benefits of 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
Each Commonwealth Startup Fellowship provides:
- Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- Accommodation, travel and catering for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
- Reimbursement of vaccination costs
- Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs
- If a Fellow declares a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.
How to Apply for 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (Step by Step)
To apply for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, interested and qualified candidates should;
- Click the button below to visit the program’s website and view more details about the fellowship.
- Review the eligibility criteria and prepare the required documents for application.
- Proceed to fill the application form, submit all required, details, documents and essays.
- In the application form, the applicant will be asked to provide details of qualifications, employment history, referees, the startup, and other essays.
- You will also be asked to provide a scan of your passport or national identity card.
- Applications are open from now until June 30, 2025.
