JIM LEECH MASTERCARD FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2027 FOR AFRICAN STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

The Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre at Queen's University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is accepting applications for the 2027 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship.

The eight-month virtual programme is designed to help African students and recent graduates develop entrepreneurial ideas, test business opportunities and build ventures capable of creating social and economic impact.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Must be a citizen of an African country.

Must currently be enrolled in a post-secondary institution or have graduated within the past five years.

Open to applicants from all academic disciplines.

Must have an interest in entrepreneurship and solving real-world problems.

Must have reliable internet access and a suitable device.

Must be able to participate throughout the programme.

Applicants do not need to own a registered company or have an established business. Those with promising ideas can also apply.

BENEFITS

Entrepreneurship training from Queen's University faculty and industry professionals.

Business development resources and practical exercises.

Mentorship and networking opportunities.

Opportunity to earn Queen's University entrepreneurship micro-credentials.

A CAD $500 stipend for up to 60 participants who reach the final phase.

Opportunity to compete for pitch competition prizes of up to CAD $15,000.

PROGRAMME PERIOD:

January–August 2027.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

1 December 2026

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete the online application through the official Queen's University programme page.

APPLICATION LINK:

https://www.queensu.ca/innovationcentre/jim-leech-mastercard-foundation-fellowship

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

https://www.queensu.ca/innovationcentre/jim-leech-mastercard-foundation-fellowship

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The stipend and pitch prizes are competitive benefits, not guaranteed payments to every participant. There is no application fee.