Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) 2025: A Transformative Opportunity for Emerging Entrepreneurs

The Department of Higher Education and Training is pleased to share information about the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF), a prestigious non-degree programme designed to support and empower high-potential startup founders from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open.

This six-month fellowship programme, delivered in partnership with Imperial College London’s Enterprise Lab, aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and strategies required to scale their businesses and drive sustainable growth. The CSF combines immersive, in-person engagements with structured online learning to create a powerful experience that enables founders to transform their business models and global reach.

Programme Overview

The CSF is strategically structured in three stages:

Stage 1: In-Person Bootcamp (Accra, Ghana)
Dates: 15–29 November 2025
The programme kicks off with an intensive two-week bootcamp held at the newly established Imperial Global Campus in Accra, Ghana. This immersive experience focuses on refining business models, testing growth strategies, and creating meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and industry experts.

Stage 2: Online Learning and Coaching
Dates: 30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026
Participants engage in monthly venture review panels, on-demand learning modules, and personalised mentorship sessions. This stage offers the flexibility of virtual learning while maintaining high-touch, individualised coaching that supports the real-time application of strategies in participants’ businesses.

Stage 3: Capstone Week (London, UK)
Date: May 2026
The fellowship concludes with a fully funded, week-long experience in London, where participants attend a global investor event. Fellows will have the opportunity to showcase their ventures to a wide audience of potential investors, mentors, and strategic partners, while continuing to expand their international networks.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected Fellows will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:

• Approved return travel to Accra, Ghana, for the in-person bootcamp;
• Accommodation, meals, and local travel during the bootcamp;
• Reimbursement for standard visa application and vaccination costs;
• Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund to cover eligible business or participation-related expenses;
• A disability support assessment and additional funding if required, as per the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) guidelines.

Beyond financial support, the fellowship offers access to expert-led training, one-on-one mentorship, peer learning, and business coaching. Key focus areas include product-market fit, branding, fundraising, financial management, team development, and go-to-market strategy.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a graduate-level qualification;
• Be a citizen of, or hold refugee status in, a low- or middle-income Commonwealth country;
• Reside permanently in an eligible Commonwealth country;
• Demonstrate fluency in English (written and spoken);
• Be available for the full six-month programme duration;
• Not have held a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past five years.

In addition, applicants must show:

• Innovation in their business model, product, or service;
• A minimum of six months of active development;
• A working minimum viable product (MVP), prototype, or service;
• Evidence of customer engagement, traction, or market demand.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 2 June 2025
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
• Bootcamp in Accra: 15–29 November 2025
• Online Learning: 30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026
• Capstone Event in London: May 2026

Participation in all programme activities is encouraged, although not mandatory. All sessions are conducted across multiple time zones to accommodate participants from various regions.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship online portal, which can be accessed through the official programme page. Applicants are advised to prepare all required documentation and ensure their eligibility before applying.

Important Note for South African Applicants

This opportunity is not administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). South African applicants are strongly advised to conduct their own due diligence regarding the recognition of qualifications and professional outcomes. For assistance, contact the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or the relevant professional body. The DHET does not provide any additional funding for this opportunity.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.