Overview
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship offers an eight-month virtual entrepreneurship programme for African students and recent graduates.
About the Programme
Queen’s University’s Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre delivers the training. Participants advance competitively through three stages.
Benefits
Training, coaching, networking and micro-credentials support venture development. Financial support is reserved for selected finalists; joining the first stage does not guarantee funding.
Eligibility
Applicants from African post-secondary institutions can come from any discipline and should commit at least ten hours weekly. Assignments and pitches are in English.
Application Process
Follow the application link on the official programme page.
Opportunities Feed application guidance: Describe one problem you understand, the people affected and the evidence behind your proposed solution. Explain what you have already tested and what you still need to learn. If you have not launched a business, be clear about your starting point rather than inventing traction.
Required Documents
Follow the current application form’s checklist. As preparation, organise your education details, a concise venture description and examples of relevant activity. These are preparation suggestions, not a confirmed mandatory upload list.
Deadline
1 December 2026.
Summary Table
| Format | Virtual |
|---|---|
| Commitment | Eight months; at least ten hours weekly |
| Progression | Competitive |
Conclusion
Use the application to show thoughtful preparation and a realistic learning goal. Reserve regular time for the programme, keep a copy of your submission and check the organiser’s latest instructions before applying.
Verified on 27 September 2026. Opportunities Feed is not the programme organiser.
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