Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026 | How to Apply

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026 offers African students and recent graduates the chance to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Through this program, participants gain access to world-class training, mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to help them develop entrepreneurial skills and launch scalable ventures.

In this post, we’ll share the full details and application guide for the 2026 fellowship, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

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Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026 Summary

• Host: Mastercard Foundation
• Study Abroad: Study in Canada
• Category: Fellowships | Competitions
• Eligible Countries: African Countries
• Reward: prizes of up to CAD $15,000.
• Deadline: December 15, 2025

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Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026 Details

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is hosted by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Center (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, Canada, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It empowers young African changemakers with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to transform innovative ideas into sustainable ventures that address real-world challenges.

Thoughtfully designed to suit the busy schedules of aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs, the program offers rigorous yet flexible training that allows participants to learn and build their ventures simultaneously.

Participants also stand a chance to receive a CAD $500 stipend upon completing the program and compete for pitch prizes worth up to CAD $15,000. Beyond the financial rewards, the fellowship’s greatest value lies in its strong network of mentors and coaches who provide practical, hands-on guidance to help fellows refine their ideas, overcome challenges, and scale their ventures successfully.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026

To be considered for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an African country.
• Be a current student or recent graduate (within the last 3 years) from an African post-secondary institution.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and a desire to develop or scale a venture.
• Be committed to actively participating in the full duration of the program, including training sessions, mentorship, and pitch competitions.
• Have the ability to engage in virtual training and online collaboration tools (internet access required).

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See this related Canada Scholarship Video on our YouTube Channel:

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Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026 Benefits

Participants of the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026 can enjoy:

• Entrepreneurship Training: Access to structured, rigorous, and flexible training programs to develop entrepreneurial skills.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Guidance from experienced mentors and business coaches to refine ideas, overcome challenges, and scale ventures.
• Networking Opportunities: Connection with a global community of entrepreneurs, peers, and industry experts.
• Financial Support: A CAD $500 stipend for selected fellows upon program completion.
• Pitch Competition: Opportunity to compete for prizes worth up to CAD $15,000 to support venture growth.
• Practical Experience: Hands-on projects and exercises that allow fellows to apply their learning directly to their ventures.

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Required Documents

• A completed Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship application form.
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Pitch or Business concept (if applicable)
• Proof of citizenship and residency in an African Country.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Two or more letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional).

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Watch this full video on how to apply for the Mastercard Foundation – University of Edinburgh Scholarship on our YouTube Channel:

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How to Apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026

To apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official fellowship page using the button below
2. Complete the Application Form, fill in all required fields with personal, academic, and entrepreneurial information.
3. Upload all the required Documents
4. Submit Your Application Before the Deadline.
5. Check your email for confirmation of submission and any further instructions regarding interviews or assessments.

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Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:

• How to Prepare A Scholarship Application – 5 Tips to Succeed
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
• Tips on How to Win a Scholarship

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Deadline

December 15, 2025

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