The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 offers an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to scale their startups through a fully funded 6-month hybrid program. Designed to empower innovative startup founders, this prestigious international fellowship is jointly offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London.
This program begins with a two-week in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, followed by months of online coaching, mentorship, and investor engagement opportunities. With comprehensive funding, global exposure, and world-class training, the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs striving to create scalable and impactful businesses.
At the end of the fellowship, selected participants will also get a chance to present their startup in London, engaging directly with investors, industry leaders, and innovation experts. This program is ideal for individuals who have already begun their startup journey and are ready to take their ventures to the next level. You can also check out the Miami University Presidential Fellowship Program in the USA 2025 (Fully Funded)
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 Details:
- Host Country: United Kingdom (Hybrid Program)
- Fellowship Location: Accra, Ghana (for in-person bootcamp)
- Fellowship Duration: 6 Months (Online + In-person)
- Bootcamp Dates: 14 – 30 November 2025
- Funded By: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) & Imperial College London
- Program Mode: Hybrid (Online + In-person Bootcamp)
Benefits of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025:
- Airfare to Accra, Ghana (fully covered)
- Accommodation and meals during the bootcamp
- Visa fee reimbursement
- Vaccination cost reimbursement
- Access to the Fellows Grant Fund for business or fellowship-related costs (non-equity)
- Disability support provided by CSC
- Tailored online coaching by global experts
- Entrepreneurship training by Imperial College London faculty
- Networking events in London with investors and leaders
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Partner Organizations:
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
- Imperial College London
Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025:
- Must be a graduate (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
- Must be a citizen of a low or middle-income Commonwealth country or have refugee status
- Must be permanently residing in an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must be fluent in English (spoken and written)
- Must not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past 5 years
- Must have a working prototype of a product/service
- The startup must show a minimum of 6 months of active development
- Must present evidence of customer engagement or early sales
- Must be available to attend the fellowship starting November 2025
List of Eligible Countries:
Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Helena, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia
Required Documents:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the founder
- Startup overview or pitch deck
- Evidence of prototype (product/service)
- Proof of customer interaction (testimonials, analytics, sales)
- Copy of valid passport
- Proof of residency
Deadline:
The official application deadline for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is 30th June 2025. Interested applicants are advised to check the official CSC or Imperial College London website regularly for updates.
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How to Apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025?
To apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, follow the steps below:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the CSC or Imperial College London fellowship page.
- Read Guidelines Carefully: Understand eligibility, benefits, and program structure.
- Register Online: Create your account on the application portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide all personal and startup-related information.
- Upload Required Documents: Ensure you follow file size and format instructions.
- Submit Your Application: Review everything and submit before the deadline.
