Do you have a business idea that could solve a real problem in your community? The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027 is open to African students and recent graduates. It is a fully online entrepreneurship programme that costs participants nothing. You get training, coaching and mentorship. You also get support to turn your idea into a startup. The deadline is 1 December 2026.
Last Information Checked: 19 October 2026
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
| Fellowship | Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027 |
| Run by | Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University |
| Who can apply | African citizens who are students or recent graduates |
| Format | Fully online |
| Cost | Free. There is no application fee |
| Programme dates | January to August 2027 |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 at 12:59 PM Eastern Time |
What the Fellowship Is
This is a virtual programme for young African innovators. It is made for people who want to solve social and economic problems through entrepreneurship. You learn how to find a real problem and design a business solution that can last. You also learn how to launch a venture that helps your community.
The programme is run by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre at Queen’s University. It works with partner organisations across Africa. You move through three learning phases. You move to the next phase only when you finish the previous course and show real commitment.
Fellowship Benefits
- Fully funded participation at no cost
- Entrepreneurship training through three online courses
- One-on-one virtual coaching and mentorship
- Support to develop your business idea
- Access to an international entrepreneurial network
- Financial and innovation support to help launch impactful startups
- Flexible online learning that you can access from anywhere in Africa
- A chance to connect with mentors and innovators from across the continent
The Three Phases
| Phase | Dates |
| Explore Entrepreneurship | January to February 2027 |
| Ignite Entrepreneurship | March to April 2027 |
| Launch Entrepreneurship | May to August 2027 |
Each phase builds on the last. You grow your entrepreneurial mindset first. Then you test your business idea. In the last phase, you prepare to create your venture.
Who Can Apply
You must meet all of these.
- You are a citizen of an African country
- You are studying at a post secondary institution now or you graduated in the past five years
- You show a real interest in solving big problems through entrepreneurship
- You can finish all three phases of the programme
- You have reliable internet access
- You have a suitable device for online sessions and assignments
The fellowship welcomes people from all study backgrounds. What matters is your entrepreneurial potential and your wish to create positive social impact.
How To Apply
- Go to the official Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship online application portal.
- Fill in your education background.
- Describe your interest in entrepreneurship.
- Explain the problem you want to solve with your business idea.
- Show a clear vision of the impact you want to make.
- Submit before 1 December 2026.
The programme is highly competitive. There is no application fee. Participation is completely free for selected candidates.
All official messages come from the fellowship’s official Queen’s University email address. Be careful with messages from any other address.
How To Make Your Application Stronger
- Choose a real problem that you care about
- Explain how your idea can bring lasting social or economic impact
- Share your leadership, volunteer, academic or business experience
- Show that you can complete all three phases
- Submit well before the deadline
Key Dates
- 1 December 2026 at 12:59 PM ET: Application deadline
- End of December 2026: Results announced
- January 2027: Programme starts
- August 2027: Programme ends