The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027: Entrepreneurship Training and Funding for African Students provides African students and recent graduates with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, resources, and financial support to develop business ideas and build ventures.
Background & Programme Description
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is offered through the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen’s University.
The eight-month programme is designed for African students and recent graduates who want to address pressing problems and develop entrepreneurial ideas. Participants receive training, resources, financial support, and access to a mentor network.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes:
- Students from African countries
- Recent graduates from Africa
- Students from all academic disciplines
- Students and graduates from any post-secondary institution in Africa
- Applicants who are already building a business or exploring a new idea
Applicants should be committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset, ready to use the programme’s resources and mentorship, and willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme provides participants with access to entrepreneurship training, coaches, mentors, expert guests, workshops, and a community of fellows.
During the final fellowship phase, selected Fellows can access seed funding, dedicated coaches and mentors, and a US$350 stipend. Fellows can also compete in a pitch competition for additional seed funding.
The programme is fully virtual and runs over an eight-month cycle. Participants must complete assignments by the required deadlines to progress through the programme phases.
Programme Structure
The programme is divided into three main phases:
Phase 1 – Explore: Candidates work through entrepreneurship courses and the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework while developing and validating their ideas.
Phase 2 – Ignite: More than 180 finalists continue their entrepreneurship training, develop their ideas and pitch their ventures.
Phase 3 – Launch and Fellowship: Up to 60 Fellows enter the summer incubation programme, where they work on their ventures, access seed funding, receive mentorship and participate in pitch presentations.
Language Requirements
Programme content is delivered in English, while mentorship may be available in English and French. Assignments and pitches must be completed in English.
Applicants who are not fluent in English are still encouraged to apply and may work with a team member, university, or local organization for language support.
Application Information
The source provided does not show the 2027 application opening date or final deadline. Applicants should therefore check the official Queen’s University fellowship page for the latest application announcement.
Visit the official Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship page
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship?
The programme welcomes students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and post-secondary institutions in Africa.
Is the fellowship online?
Yes. The programme is fully virtual and runs over an eight-month programme cycle.
Is funding available?
Selected Fellows can access seed funding and receive a US$350 stipend during the Launch and Fellowship phase. Additional seed funding may be available through the pitch competition.
How much time must participants commit?
Participants are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey.
How many Fellows are selected?
Up to 60 Fellows are selected for the Launch and Fellowship phase.
Final Thoughts
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship provides African students and recent graduates with structured entrepreneurship training, mentorship, resources and financial support. The programme is fully virtual and takes participants through idea development, validation, and venture-building stages.
Applicants should check the official Queen’s University page for the 2027 application dates and submission instructions.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. We are not affiliated with Queen’s University or the Mastercard Foundation and are only sharing this opportunity with our readers. Applicants should verify all requirements and application dates through the official programme website.
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