Written by African students and recent graduates with entrepreneurial ideas can apply for the 2027 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship at Queen’s University in Canada.
The eight-month fellowship supports young Africans who want to solve pressing problems through entrepreneurship. Participants receive entrepreneurship training, coaching, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to financial support as they develop and test their business ideas.
The programme is delivered virtually, allowing participants across Africa to take part without relocating.
About the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
The fellowship is delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University.
It is open to students and recent graduates from any academic discipline and any post-secondary institution in Africa. Applicants can already be working on a business or be at the stage of exploring an entrepreneurial idea.
The 2027 programme runs from January to August 2027 and is divided into three phases: Explore, Ignite and Launch.
What Fellows Will Receive
Successful participants will have access to:
- Entrepreneurship training delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders
- The Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework
- Pitch coaching and live workshops
- Entrepreneurship micro-credentials from Queen’s University
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship
- Access to Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni and a wider network of entrepreneurs
- Feedback on key startup milestones
- Seed-funding opportunities during the fellowship
- A chance for up to 60 Fellows in the final phase to receive a $500 CAD stipend
- The opportunity to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition
- Post-program support and access to the DDQIC network after graduation
The fellowship itself is delivered online, and applicants are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey.
Programme Structure
Phase 1: Explore Entrepreneurship
January – February 2027
More than 1,000 candidates will begin with online entrepreneurship courses and work through the first part of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework.
Participants will focus on identifying a problem, understanding potential customers, validating assumptions and developing possible solutions.
Phase 2: Ignite Entrepreneurship
March – April 2027
More than 180 participants who demonstrate strong commitment during the first phase will move forward.
They will develop their business models, build prototypes, test their assumptions and prepare to pitch their ideas.
The strongest participants will then be selected for the final fellowship phase.
Phase 3: Launch and Fellowship
May – August 2027
Up to 60 Fellows will join the DDQIC summer incubation programme.
Participants will work on their ventures, receive coaching and mentorship, access seed-funding opportunities and take part in weekly pitch presentations.
They will also have the opportunity to compete for additional prizes through the final pitch competition.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to applicants who:
- Are citizens of an African country
- Are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution or graduated within the past five years
- Come from any academic discipline
- Are interested in entrepreneurship and developing solutions to pressing problems
- Are willing to complete all three phases of the programme
- Can dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the programme
- Have reliable internet access and a device for participating in the online programme and completing assignments
You do not need to already own a registered business. The programme welcomes people who are still developing an entrepreneurial idea.
Language Requirements
The programme content is delivered in English, and assignments and pitches must be completed in English.
However, applicants who are not fluent in English are still encouraged to apply. Queen’s says participants may form a team with someone who can meet the English-language requirements or seek language support through their university or local organisations.
Mentorship may be available in English and French.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application through Queen’s University.
Application deadline: December 1, 2026 at 12:59 PM ET
Programme: January – August 2027
Delivery: Fully virtual
Cost: No programme fee
Application: Apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and be prepared to demonstrate their entrepreneurial interests, the problem they want to address and their commitment to developing the idea.
Successful candidates are expected to be notified by the end of December 2026, ahead of the January 2027 programme start.
Key Details
Opportunity: Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2027
Host: Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre, Queen’s University
Eligible applicants: African students and recent graduates
Academic background: All disciplines
Programme duration: 8 months
Programme dates: January – August 2027
Delivery: Online
Stipend: Up to $500 CAD for up to 60 final-phase Fellows
Pitch prizes: Up to $15,000 CAD
Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 12:59 PM ET
Application fee: None