The fellowship combines immersive in-person training in Ghana with online learning, helping founders scale their businesses and contribute to job creation and economic development in their home countries.

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 Summary

 About the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship empowers early-stage entrepreneurs in low and middle-income Commonwealth nations with essential business skills, access to international networks, and strategic support. The programme’s goal is to equip startup leaders with tools to scale operations, drive innovation, and generate employment in their local communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, applicants must:

Academic & Citizenship Requirements:

• Be a graduate or higher
• Be a citizen or refugee of an eligible low/middle-income Commonwealth country
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
• Be fluent in English
• Must not have received a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years

Startup-Specific Requirements:

• Be an active startup in operation for at least 6 months
• Must have a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype
• Show evidence of innovation (product, service, or market)
• Must have early traction, such as pre-sales, customer interest, or contracts
• At least one team member must be available to attend the Ghana bootcamp

Fellowship Benefits

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship offers the following fully funded benefits:

• Return travel to Accra, Ghana, for the bootcamp
• Accommodation, meals, and transport during the in-person program
• Reimbursement of visa application and vaccination costs
• Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business development or participation-related costs
• Disability-inclusive funding support, if applicable. See the CSC disability support statement for more information.

Fellowship Timeline

How to Apply

To apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official application portal: CSC Application Page
2. Register and complete your online application form
3. Attach all required documentation (CV, proof of startup, evidence of traction)
4. Submit your application before June 30, 2025 (4:00 PM BST)

Don’t miss the Info Session on June 3, 2025, at 11 AM BST to learn more about the process.

For more details on this fellowship, click here or here.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025?

Early-stage entrepreneurs from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries with at least a graduate degree and a startup that has operated for 6+ months can apply.

2. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. The program covers travel, accommodation, visa fees, and other expenses, including a business support grant.

3. What is the purpose of the bootcamp in Ghana?

The two-week bootcamp is an immersive, in-person experience that equips fellows with tools to scale their startups, build networks, and develop business strategies.

4. What type of startups are eligible?

Startups with a minimum viable product (MVP), evidence of innovation, and early customer traction are eligible.

5. Will all fellows attend the capstone event in London?

No. Only top-performing fellows may be invited to attend the final in-person capstone event in London, UK.

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