The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a fully funded program by the Commonwealth Scholarship Council (CSC) aimed at fostering high-potential startups in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. The fellowship is a combination of immersive in-person experiences and online learning designed to provide essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
Key Information
Host: Commonwealth Scholarship Council (CSC)
Location: Accra, Ghana (In-person Bootcamp) & Online
Duration: Six months
Eligible Countries: Low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Category: Fellowships
Deadline: January 15, 2025
Language Requirement: Fluent in written and spoken English
IELTS: Not Required
Application Fee: None
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
1. Be of at least graduate level.
2. Be a citizen of or hold refugee status in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
3. Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
4. Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years.
5. Be available to undertake the fellowship from the prescribed start date.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate:
Evidence of innovation in product, service, or market.
At least six months of active development with commitment from team members.
A working minimum viable product, service, or prototype.
Evidence of customer engagement or traction through early sales, pre-sales, signed contracts, or other proof of demand.
Fellowship Benefits
1. Fully funded return travel for the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
2. Accommodation, travel, and catering during the bootcamp.
3. Reimbursement of visa application and vaccination costs.
4. Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related expenses.
5. Additional financial support for declared disabilities based on a needs assessment.
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