The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026/2027 is now accepting applications from high-potential, early-stage entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Delivered jointly by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London, this fully funded, six-month program combines virtual learning with immersive in-person experiences to help founders scale their operations, pitch effectively, and drive economic growth in their home nations.
Fellowship Benefits & Funding
- Fully Funded Travel & Accommodation: Full financial coverage for the 2-week in-person Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, and the London Capstone event (including return economy airfare, housing, and event access).
- Equity-Free Grant Funding: Participating startups can apply for up to £2,000 from the Fellows Fund to cover business expansion and operational costs.
- London Capstone & Investor Pitching: Selected founders travel to London, UK to present their startup directly to global venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry leaders.
- Tailored Coaching & Mentorship: Dedicated 1-on-1 advice from global experts, pitch training, and leadership development throughout the 6 months.
- Team-Wide Program Access: While one founder represents the startup for in-person overseas trips, co-founders and key team members gain full access to all remote modules, masterclasses, and mentor networks.
Who Is Eligible?
Individual Requirements:
- Be at least a university/college graduate.
- Be a citizen or recognized refugee of an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country, and currently reside there permanently.
- Be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Have not completed a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past 5 years.
- Be available for the full duration of the program, including travel to Ghana and the UK.
Startup Requirements:
- Legal Registration: Must be officially registered as a legal entity.
- Traction & Operations: Must have been actively operating for at least 12 months and progressed beyond the idea, prototype, or pilot stages.
- Commercial Demand: Must have a live product/service with paying customers and demonstrated ongoing customer adoption (e.g., recurring revenue, repeat purchases, or contract renewals).
- Financial Sustainability: Operates on a sustainable commercial model and is not primarily dependent on grants, donations, or philanthropy.
- Scalability & Social Impact: Creates clear economic, social, or environmental value and is seeking to scale operations, customer base, or market reach.
How to Apply
To review full eligibility details and submit an application, visit Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Webpage or the Imperial Enterprise Lab Fellowship Portal.
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Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
