Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2027: Online Programme for African Students and Recent Graduates, Deadline 1 December

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is taking applications for its next cohort until 1 December 2026. It is run by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre at Queen's University in Canada, and it is open to students and recent graduates from post-secondary institutions in Africa. Most of the programme is online, so you do not need to travel to apply.

What the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship offers

The fellowship is a structured route from an idea to a launched venture. According to Queen's University, it offers:

• Training based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship workbook.
• A pitch competition at the end of the programme with prizes of up to CAD 15,000. Recent winners received between CAD 3,500 and 7,000, the university says.
• A stipend for up to 60 Fellows in the final phase.
• Mentorship, workshops and micro-credentials from Queen's University.

A note on the stipend: the official page gives two different figures, CAD 500 in one section and USD 350 in another. Check the amount with the organisers before you plan around it.

How the programme runs

1. Explore (January to February). More than 1,000 candidates work through online courses and the first 11 steps of the workbook.
2. Ignite (March to April). More than 180 finalists complete the remaining steps and pitch for a fellowship.
3. Launch (May to August). Up to 60 Fellows join the centre's summer incubation programme.
4. Graduation (August). Fellows complete the incubation programme.

Who can apply

• Students and recent graduates from any academic discipline.
• From any post-secondary institution in Africa.
• Able to give at least 10 hours a week.
• Comfortable working in English, since content, assignments and pitches are in English.
• With reliable internet and a device for online sessions.

Tips for a strong application

• Describe one specific problem you want to solve and who has it. Vague ideas are harder to judge.
• Show you can commit the time. The programme runs for eight months.
• Apply early so a slow connection on deadline day does not cost you a place.

For more funded calls closing soon, see our roundup of fellowship and scholarship deadlines before February 2027.

Source: Queen's University, Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre programme page. Always confirm details on the official site before applying.