UK Government Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded)

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, hosted by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in collaboration with Imperial College London, offers a fully funded six-month hybrid fellowship program designed to empower early-stage entrepreneurs with skills, resources, and networks to grow and scale their ventures.

Program Overview

• Duration: 6 Months

• Format: Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

• Cohort Size: 20 Startups

• Bootcamp: Fully Funded 2-Week Intensive in Accra, Ghana (14–30 November 2025)

• Capstone Event: Potential travel to London, UK

What You’ll Gain

• Return travel to and from Accra, Ghana

• Free accommodation, meals, and local transport

• Visa and vaccination cost reimbursement

• Fellow’s Grant Fund for startup-related expenses

• Additional financial support for fellows with disabilities

• Access to global networks, expert coaching, and business development resources

Fellowship Eligibility

Individual Requirements:

• Citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country

• Permanent resident in a qualifying country

• At least a graduate-level academic qualification

• Fluent in spoken and written English

• Must not have held a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past 5 years

• Available for in-person bootcamp in Ghana

Startup Requirements:

• At least 6 months of active development

• A working Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• Proof of customer traction (e.g. signups, early sales, or contracts)

• Demonstrated innovation in product, service, or market

Diversity is encouraged. Applications from underrepresented groups and persons with disabilities are strongly welcomed.

Eligible Countries

Open to international applicants from:
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.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 2 June 2025 at 10:00 AM (BST)

• Information Session: 3 June 2025 at 11:00 AM (BST)

• Deadline to Apply: 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST)

How to Apply

Complete the online application form, including:

• Academic qualifications and work history

• Business registration and founder details

• Evidence of startup traction (sales, signups, etc.)

• Market research and competitor analysis

• 1-minute elevator pitch video

• Short essay answers (150–250 words) on:

  • Problem and solution

  • Innovation and impact

  • Team and commitment

  • Fellowship goals and motivations

• Copy of passport or national ID

• Contact details of 3 referees (1 must be a current/former employer)

General Terms

Selected fellows must:

• Adhere to the CSC code of conduct

• Actively participate in all program activities

• Represent their home country positively

• Submit a final impact report

Note: Former UK Government or Commonwealth staff are not eligible unless they left their role at least 3 years ago.

Why Apply?

This isn’t just another startup program — it’s your launchpad to global impact.
Gain world-class training, pitch to international audiences, and scale your solution alongside a network of top founders, investors, and mentors.

Highlights:

• Expert mentorship through Imperial College London

• Access to capital, credibility, and connections

• Global networking and exposure

• Fully funded travel and training

Ready to Apply?

Applications open June 2, 2025
Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Website for more details
Don’t miss the Information Session on June 3, 2025

Apply now and bring your startup vision to life!