Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Opportunity

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a 6 months immersive program which is offered to support high-potential startups. This fully funded opportunity is exclusively for individuals who belong to low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth fellowship will be a combination of both in-person and online learning sessions. The hybrid approach of this fellowship is designed to provide entrepreneurs with critical skills, advanced knowledge, and a strong global network.

The selection committee will recruit 20 early stage startups. Commonwealth fellowship program will begin with a two-week in-person bootcamp. One founding member from each startup will attend an intensive fully funded entrepreneurship program in Ghana. This program is offered jointly by CSC and Imperial College London. At the end of the program, participants will be prepared to build their own successful businesses and manage operations efficiently. Selected participants will be invited to attend a series of fascinating events in London where they will get a chance to pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders.

During this international fellowship, participants will get tailored coaching which will help them to overcome challenges and expand their business. The entrepreneurship fellowship aims to attract talented individuals who have the potential to bring change through innovation. Along with getting training and mentorship, selected teams can also apply to get financial support from the Fellows Fund which will be free of equity.

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Opportunity

Host Country:

Host Institutes:

CSC and Imperial College London

Fellowship Location:

Accra, Ghana

Fellowship Duration and Dates:

6 months (online + in-person bootcamp for two weeks)
14 -30 November, 2025

Benefits of Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025:

Fellows will get airfare for attending in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Accommodation and meals will be provided during the boot camp.
Visa application fee will be reimbursed.
Vaccination costs will be reimbursed.
The fellowship will provide access to Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or other costs related to participation.
CSC will provide support to fellows who have a disability.

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Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025:

Applicants must be at least graduates.
Applicants should be citizens of eligible low or middle income commonwealth countries or should have been given refugee status.
Applicants should live permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English.
Applicants should not have availed a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship during the last 5 years.
Applicants must be available to start their fellowship from the declared starting date.
Applicants must have evidence of innovation of their product, service, or market.
Applicants should have made active development for minimum 6 months.
Application should have a working prototype of their product or service.
Applicants should have sufficient evidence of customer engagement or early sales data.

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.

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How to apply for Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025:

Applicants must answer the questions within the given word limits.
Applicants have to apply through online application form.
Write up to 2 undergraduate and postgraduate university degrees obtained (if applicable).
Mention details of up to 2 entries of your previous jobs.
Write details of 3 references. (One reference should be from your current or recent employer).
Mention the details of your business and your role in it.
Write the progress of your startup. (Mention the achievements, current revenue, tractions, and any research conducted).
Explain the competitor research you have done.
Mention your startup’s IP and ownership status.
Make a video of 1 minute to explain the problem that your business is solving, its solution, progress done so far and the advantage you will have after attending this fellowship.
Explains how is your solution innovative.
Describe why do you think you are the right team or single owner to grow your business. Mention your skills, competencies, and qualifications and any gaps in your team.
Explain your motivation to attend this program. List the goals you expect to achieve in this program.
Upload a scanned copy of your passport or National identity card.