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The Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026-2027 are now open for entrepreneurs from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to grow their startups through international training and mentorship. The six-month fellowship is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in partnership with Imperial College London. The programme combines online learning with in-person experiences in Ghana and the United Kingdom. Selected fellows receive international travel, accommodation, visa support, and up to £2,000 in equity-free grants to support business or participation-related costs.
The UK startup fellowship is designed for founders who have already moved beyond the idea stage and are ready to scale their businesses. During the programme, participants will develop leadership, business growth, fundraising, and pitching skills while building a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry experts. The fellowship aims to help founders expand their customer base, increase their impact, and create jobs in their home countries.
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is jointly delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Imperial College London. The programme begins with online learning and mentoring before participants attend a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana. Fellows then continue with virtual sessions before travelling to London for the final Capstone Week. By the end of the fellowship, participants are expected to have stronger business strategies, improved investment readiness, and the skills needed to grow sustainable businesses in local and international markets.
WhatsApp ChannelQuick Overview of Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026-2027
- Host Countries: United Kingdom and Ghana
- Programme Location: Online, Accra, and London
- Organized By: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Imperial College London
- Programme Duration: 6 months
- Programme Starts: 16 November 2026
- Bootcamp: Accra, Ghana (Estimated 25 January to 4 February 2027)
- Capstone Week: London, UK (Estimated 14 to 21 May 2027)
- Eligible Applicants: Entrepreneurs from eligible Commonwealth countries
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2026
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Benefits of Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026
Successful applicants will receive:
- Return airfare from their home country to Accra, Ghana.
- Return airfare from their home country to London, United Kingdom.
- Accommodation, meals, and local travel during both in-person programmes.
- Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
- Up to £2,000 in equity-free grants for eligible business or participation-related expenses.
- Additional disability support for eligible fellows after assessment.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowships, applicants must:
- Hold at least a graduate-level qualification.
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Not have completed a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the previous five years.
- Be available to participate from 16 November 2026.
- Attend the bootcamp in Accra and the Capstone Week in London.
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Startup Requirements
Applicants must also have a startup that:
- Is legally registered.
- Has been operating for at least 12 months.
- Has progressed beyond the idea, prototype, and pilot stages.
- Offers a product or service currently available to customers.
- Has paying customers and evidence of continued customer adoption.
- Operates with a sustainable business model instead of relying mainly on grants or donations.
- Demonstrates commercial traction and growth.
- Has the potential to scale nationally or internationally.
- Creates positive economic, social, or environmental impact.
Eligible Countries
Applicants from the following countries can apply:
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, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zambia.
Fellowship Programme Structure
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship follows a blended learning format that combines virtual and in-person activities. The programme includes:
- Online learning sessions and expert-led workshops.
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals.
- A two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
- Networking with founders, investors, and industry leaders.
- A final Capstone Week in London, United Kingdom.
- Practical training focused on business growth, scaling strategies, leadership, and investment readiness.
General Conditions
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission will conduct due diligence checks before confirming awards. Fellows must comply with the CSC Code of Conduct throughout the programme. The fellowship may be withdrawn if participants fail to meet attendance, conduct, or programme requirements. Employees, certain former employees, and close relatives of specified UK Government bodies, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the British Council, Imperial College London, or the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission are not eligible under the programme rules.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowships 2026
Applications for Cohort Three opened on 3 August 2026. Interested entrepreneurs should carefully review the eligibility requirements before completing the online application through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Applicants should ensure that they meet both the personal eligibility criteria and the startup eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
