The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27 offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to develop and scale their startups. The six-month fellowship combines online learning with in-person activities in Ghana and the United Kingdom, providing participants with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, coaching, and international networking opportunities.
- Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27 Details
- Benefits of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27
- Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
- List of Eligible Countries
- Required Application Information
- Application Deadline
- How to Apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27?
The program will select 20 early-stage startups, with one representative from each selected startup participating in the fellowship. The program begins with online activities followed by an intensive two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, where fellows will develop essential business, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. The fellowship is jointly offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London.
Throughout the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27, participants will receive tailored coaching to address business challenges and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Selected fellows may also receive up to £2,000 in equity-free grants toward business or participation-related expenses. The program concludes with capstone activities in London, United Kingdom, providing fellows with opportunities to showcase their progress and strengthen their international networks. You can also apply for the Chevening LSE Fellowship 2027 in UK (Fully Funded)
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27 Details
- Host Countries: Ghana & United Kingdom
- Host Organizations: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) & Imperial College London
- Fellowship Locations: Accra, Ghana & London, UK
- Program Type: Entrepreneurship Fellowship
- Duration: 6 Months
- Eligibility: Eligible Low- and Middle-Income Commonwealth Countries
- Fellowship Starts: 16 November 2026
- Bootcamp in Accra: Estimated 25 January – 4 February 2027
- Capstone Week in London: Estimated 14 – 21 May 2027
Benefits of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27
- Airfare for attending the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- Accommodation during the bootcamp.
- Meals during the bootcamp.
- Approved return travel from the fellow’s home country to London, UK.
- Reimbursement of visa application fees.
- Reimbursement of eligible vaccination costs.
- Up to £2,000 in equity-free grants for business or participation-related expenses.
- Tailored business coaching and mentorship.
- Additional support for fellows with disabilities.
Check WIPO Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
- Must be a citizen of an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country or have been granted refugee status by an eligible country.
- Must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Must have good written and spoken English.
- Must not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the previous five years.
- Must be available to participate from the official fellowship start date.
- The startup must demonstrate innovation in its product, service, business model, or approach to addressing a market need.
- The business must have been actively operating for at least 12 months.
- The startup must have a product or service available to customers.
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 Application Information
- Personal and contact information.
- Details of up to two undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, if applicable.
- Details of up to two previous employment positions.
- Names and positions of two referees.
- Information about the startup and the applicant’s role in the business.
- Details of startup achievements, revenue, traction, and relevant research.
- Information about competitors and market research.
- Details regarding intellectual property and business ownership.
- Explanation of the startup’s innovative solution.
- Information about the founder or team’s skills, competencies, qualifications, and any existing gaps.
- Statement explaining motivation for joining the fellowship.
- Fellowship goals and expected outcomes.
- Scanned copy of a passport or national identity card.
- A one-minute video introducing the business, the problem it addresses, its solution, progress achieved, and how the fellowship could support its development.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27 is 1 September 2026.
Check World Bank Young Professionals Program 2027 in USA (WBG YPP)
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27?
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application portal.
- Review the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide details of your educational qualifications, if applicable.
- Enter information about your startup and your role in the business.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the completed application before 1 September 2026.
