The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is an exclusive, six-month, fully funded programme designed to support high-potential entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. It combines online modules with intensive in-person components, including a bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, and a Capstone Week in London, UK.
Complete Fellowship Overview
- Is it Open? Yes, applications for the upcoming cohort are currently open.
- Deadline: September 1, 2026 (at 16:00 BST).
- Age Limit: There is no specific maximum age limit, though applicants must hold at least an undergraduate degree.
- Degree / Qualification Required: Must be of at least a graduate level (undergraduate degree or higher).
- Official Links:
Who Can Apply? Can Indians Apply?
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to citizens or refugees of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- Eligible countries are: Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia
- Startup Requirements: Your business must be a registered legal entity, actively operating for at least 12 months, and have concrete proof of customer demand (paying customers). It is not open for raw ideas or non-profits.
Financial Breakdown & Hidden Charges
- Application Fee: 100% Free. There are no costs or hidden charges to apply or participate.
- Fully Funded Benefits: The fellowship covers:
- Return travel, accommodation, and catering for the bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- Return travel, accommodation, and catering for the Capstone Week in London, UK.
- Standard visa application fee reimbursement.
- Up to £2,000 in equity-free grants for business or participation-related expenses.
- Are there any hidden charges? No. Fellows are not required to pay participation fees, sign financial bonds, or repay the commission.
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