The applications for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) are now open.

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) is a six-month programme designed to ignite and elevate high potential startups from low and middle-income countries across the Commonwealth.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Imperial College London Enterprise Lab and offers a blend of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, starting with an in-person bootcamp at the new Imperial Global Campus in Accra, Ghana. 

The CSF equips entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and resources needed to scale their businesses and overcome growth barriers. Fellows receive:

  • Expert-led training and personalised mentorship
  • A strong global peer network
  • Business coaching focused on key areas such as fundraising, branding, go-to-market strategies, team growth, and financial planning

At the end of the programme, Fellows will pitch to a global audience of investors, mentors, and partners at an international investor event.

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) page. 

Programme Structure

The Fellowship is made up of 3 stages:

Stage 1: In-Person Bootcamp (Accra, Ghana)
15–29 November 2025
An intensive, hands-on experience to refine business models, develop targeted growth strategies, and network with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts.

Stage 2: Online Learning and Coaching
30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026
Participants will engage in monthly venture review panels, ongoing learning modules, and one-on-one mentorship—all designed to support real-time implementation and growth.

Stage 3: Capstone Week (London, UK)
May 2026
A fully funded week in London featuring an international investor event and further networking opportunities.

Key dates

The programme comprises of a series of workshops, talks and networking sessions across multiple time zones. Participation in all sessions is encouraged but not compulsory.
  • Applications Open: 2 June 2025
  • Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
  • In-Person Bootcamp: 15–29 November 2025 (Accra, Ghana)
  • Online Programming: 30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026
  • Capstone Event: May 2026 (London, UK)

Who can apply? 

To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:

  • Hold at least a graduate-level qualification;
  • Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, an eligible low- or middle-income Commonwealth country;
  • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
  • Be fluent in English (written and spoken);
  • Be available for the full programme duration;
  • Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate:

  • Innovation in their product, service, or market;
  • At least six months of active development;
  • A working minimum viable product, service, or prototype;
  • Clear customer engagement or traction (e.g. early/pre-sales, signed contracts, proof of demand).

What the Fellowship covers?

Each selected Fellow will receive: 

  • Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana;
  • Accommodation, travel and catering for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana;
  • Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee;
  • Reimbursement of vaccination costs; 
  • Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs; 
  • If a Fellow declares a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC. See the CSC disability support statement for more information. 

Application process

Applications must be made using the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship online application portal here.

Contact

If you have any queries about the Commonwealth Start-up Fellowship, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Documents and links

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Page  

Imperial Enterprise Lab Programme Page

Note 

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

 
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