Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 – Fully Funded Startup Program for Entrepreneurs in the Commonwealth

Are you an early-stage entrepreneur from a Commonwealth country looking to scale your startup globally? The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, hosted by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with Imperial College London, is your chance to join a transformative, fully funded six-month hybrid program tailored for startup founders ready to take their ventures to the next level.

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program Overview

• Fellowship Duration: 6 Months

• Format: Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

• Cohort Size: 20 High-Potential Startups

• Bootcamp: 2-Week Fully Funded Intensive in Accra, Ghana (14–30 November 2025)

• Capstone: Potential travel to London, UK

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program (What You’ll Gain)

Selected fellows will receive:

• Return airfare to Accra, Ghana

• Free accommodation, meals, and local transportation

• Visa and vaccination cost reimbursement

• Fellow’s Grant Fund for startup-related expenses

• Disability support fund (for eligible fellows)

• Expert coaching and mentorship from Imperial College London faculty and industry leaders

• Access to global investor and startup networks

• Business development training, pitch preparation, and growth strategy support

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Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program (Fellowship Eligibility)

Individual Eligibility:

• Citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country

• Permanent resident of a participating country

• Hold at least a graduate-level degree

• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

• Must not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last 5 years

• Available for in-person participation in Ghana

Startup Eligibility:

• Actively operating for 6+ months

• A working MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

• Evidence of early traction (e.g., signups, early revenue, contracts)

• Clearly demonstrated innovation in product, service, or market approach

Note: Applications from underrepresented groups, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program (Eligible Countries)

Applicants must be from one of the following 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.

 Key Dates

• Applications Open: 2 June 2025 at 10:00 AM (BST)

• Information Session: 3 June 2025 at 11:00 AM (BST)

• Application Deadline: 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST)

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program (How to Apply)

Submit your application through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.

Required Application Components:

• Academic qualifications & work history

• Startup registration details

• Evidence of startup traction

• Market research and competitor analysis

• 1-minute elevator pitch video

• Short essay responses (150–250 words) on:

  • Problem and solution

  • Innovation and potential impact

  • Team and commitment

  • Fellowship goals

• Passport or national ID copy

• Contact info for 3 referees (one must be a current/former employer)

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program (Program Commitments)

Selected fellows must:

• Adhere to the CSC Code of Conduct

• Actively participate in all sessions (virtual and in-person)

• Positively represent their home country

• Submit a final impact report after the program

Note: Former UK Government or Commonwealth staff are not eligible unless they resigned at least 3 years before applying.

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Program (Why You Should Apply)

This is more than just a fellowship — it’s a launchpad for high-impact startups across the Commonwealth. With full funding, expert-led training, and international visibility, you’ll gain the tools, credibility, and networks needed to transform your vision into a global success story.

Fellowship Highlights:

• Imperial College London mentorship

• Global pitch exposure

• Access to startup funding opportunities

• Fully funded travel, training, and networking events

 Ready to Apply?

• Applications open: 2 June 2025

• Information Session: 3 June 2025

• Deadline: 30 June 2025

Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Website for official details and the application link.

Bring your startup vision to life — Apply Now