Apply Now: Queen’s University’s Entrepreneurship Fellowship For Africans
If you are an African student or recent graduate with a business idea or even just the beginnings of one, then this fellowship is worth your full attention.
Queen’s University in Canada is accepting applications for the 2027 Jim Leech Master card Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship. The fully virtual, eight-month program runs from January to August 2027 and is designed to support young Africans who want to solve real problems through entrepreneurship. It is free to apply and free to participate, and you do not need a registered business to qualify.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows will receive entrepreneurship training from Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders, one-on-one coaching and mentorship, pitch coaching, live workshops, and access to a wide network of entrepreneurial alumni. Participants will also earn entrepreneurship micro-credentials from Queen’s University. Beyond the training, there are real financial rewards on the table. Up to 60 fellows in the final phase will receive a $500 CAD stipend, and the final pitch competition offers prizes of up to $15,000 CAD. Seed-funding opportunities are also available during the program.
How the Program Works
The fellowship runs across three phases. The first phase, Explore, runs from January to February 2027 and welcomes over 1,000 candidates who will begin online courses, identify a problem worth solving, and validate their ideas.
The second phase, Ignite, runs from March to April and takes the strongest 180 participants deeper into building their business models and prototypes.
The third and final phase, Launch, runs from May to August and brings up to 60 fellows into a full incubation experience with coaching, mentorship, and pitch competitions.
Participants should be ready to commit at least ten hours per week to the program throughout all three phases.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to citizens of any African country who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution or graduated within the last five years. All academic disciplines are welcome, and applicants do not need to be fluent in English to apply. The program encourages non-English speakers to apply and seek language support or team up with someone who meets the language requirements.
How To Apply
Interested persons should apply through the Queen’s University website. Be ready to share your entrepreneurial interests, the problem you want to address, and your commitment to seeing it through.
The application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12:59 PM ET. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of December.
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